Ultrastructural characterisation of the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network during aging – mechanobiological implications

Osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells, play a central role in maintaining bone health by regulating bone remodeling, calcium homeostasis and mechanotransduction. Osteocytes and their dendritic extensions reside within hollowed cavities in the bone matrix called lacunae and canaliculi, respectively. Aberrant osteocyte communication and reduction in nutrient supply during aging may cause these cells to die or adversely influence their role in regulating bone matrix bone matrix maintenance, leading to osteoporosis. In this contribution, we investigate the age-related changes of the 3D lacunar-canalicular network (LCN) in the mid-cortical region of the human femoral shaft. Additionally, we utilize a two-scale porosity poro-elastic model to compute changes in pore pressure in the osteocyte lacunae during aging.