Effect of Elementary Phosphorus Upon the Epiphysis of the Albino Rat. ∗

Summary and Conclusions

Twenty-two albino rats were given small amounts of elementary phosphorus supplementary to an adequate diet. Roentgenograms taken before and during the experimental period demonstrated the development of an area of increased density in the subepiphyseal region.

Histologic studies revealed a failure of resorption of the usual number of primary epiphyseal trabeculae. Since bone was deposited upon these persistent spicules in an otherwise normal fashion an apparent sclerosis was produced. Although the degree of ossification was distinctly greater than normal there was no evidence of direct stimulation of osteoblastic activity. The lesion was dependent entirely upon the unusual preservation of mineralized cartilage. It was thought that the persistence of these primary trabeculae was related to the influence of elementary phosphorus deposited in this region.