Bone-Labeling Techniques

Abstract

Labeling of the skeleton with intravital marker substances allows the quantitative measurement of bone formation and of bone remodeling dynamics. Therefore, in vivo bone labeling has become a standard technique in skeletal research.15,16,68 It is the goal of this chapter to provide an overview of the substances used as bone labels, and to present the relevant information about how to employ these labeling substances in living organisms for specific purposes in a meaningful way. Another goal of this chapter is to describe how to avoid mistakes that are commonly made in the use of bone-labeling techniques.