Monocrotophos, an organophosphorus insecticide, induces cortical and trabecular bone loss in Swiss albino mice.

Till now monocrotophos (MCP) has been addressed as a neurotoxic stressor. Limited studies
investigate its aftermath on bone pathologies. Given the fact that MCP is a propensely used
insecticide in developing countries, this study investigates its potential to mirror osteoporotic
features and bone loss incurred in a rodent model. Briefly, Swiss albino mice were intubated
daily with varying doses of MCP for 8 weeks. Musculoskeletal changes were analyzed through
micro-computed tomography and histology. A series of in vitro and ex vivo cell culture
experiments were performed on MC3T3E-1 and primary osteoclast cultures. Results highlight
that oral gavaging with MCP causes bone loss from the cortico-trabecular interface by
decreasing the osteoblast and increasing the osteoclast number. Results from in vitro studies
establish that MCP treatment increases the TRAP-positive multinucleated cell number during
osteoclast differentiation. Ex-vivo experiments with MCP-treated animal sera further substantiate
the in vivo claims with significant decreases seen in cell viability, proliferation, mineralization
and differentiation studies. In conclusion MCP induces osteoclastogenesis (bone loss) on direct
stimulation and alters the circulating factors in MCP-treated serum. Holistically, this work would
be of potential significance to patients suffering from pesticide induced osteoporosis.