Abstract：This study aim to explore the application value of OCT（optical coherence tomography） in the study of osteoporosis model of zebrafish. In vivo evaluation of prednisoloneinduced osteoporosis of the adult zebrafish was conducted with optical coherence tomography, and the components of the model’〖KG-*4〗s bone were measured by scanning electron microscopy. A total of 40 adult wild type zebrafish (90 day) were selected for this study. Out of 40 fish, 30 were exposed to 50 μmol/L prednisolone solution, and 10 were set up with 0.5% DMSO medium(ascertained as controls). The zebrafish were kept in our flowthrough aquaria at a temperature of 28 ℃. The imaging of the bone structure using high resolution optical coherence tomography were performed at days 0, 7, 14 or 21 after the prednisolone were induced, comparing their light scattering characteristics. At each time point after OCT imaging experiment, the skull of zebrafish was collected for elemental content analysis by electron microscopy. The osteoporosis model using zebrafish induced by 50 μmol/L prednisolone solution was successfully developed for 20 days. Compared with the control group, the living OCT imaging in the model group showed that the light scattering of the skull tissue was weakened and the photon quantity was significantly reduced, showing an uneven distribution. The results of energy spectrum element examination demonstrated that, the proportion of calcium and phosphorus in bone decreased significantly, indicating osteoporosis and bone loss. The results demonstrated that OCT is an excellent technology in evaluating in the study of the osteoporosis model of zebrafish in vivo, realtime and noninvasive.This experiment also provides a new and effective method for the study of osteoporosis disease and drug discovey.
