The evaluation of omeprazole effect on the sensitivity of 99mTc-MDP bone-seeking to detect simulated closed fracture in the rat’s foot

Introduction: Omeprazole (OP) is one the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) agents, and available over the counter in generic formulations. Epidemiological investigations have been confirmed a relationship between long term use of PPI agents and bone metabolism. Bone scintigraphy is commonly used for analysing the bone metabolism in clinical practice. This study was conducted to assess the effect of omeprazole on the sensitivity of bone imaging to distinguish simulated closed fracture in the rat’s foot. Methods: A total number of 32 adult, male NMRI were chosen. The animals were divided into two principle groups equally for four and eight weeks experiment. Each group was equally divided into four groups. These subgroups included the standard or control rats (4W S and 8W S) not receiving omeprazole and the others that received 25 (4W OP 25 and 8W OP 25), 50 (4W OP 50 and 8W OP 50), 100 (4W OP 100 and 8W OP 100) mg/kg of the drug. Reproducible closed fracture was created in the rat’s foot after 4 and 8 weeks of experiments. Radioisotope studies have been undertaken. Results: All closed fractures created in the feet of animals were visualized by images. The radiotracer uptake ratio at affected foot (target) versus contralateral healthy foot (non-target) was not influenced by omeprazole in the different animal groups. The quantitative investigation indicated that biodistribution of radiotracer was not affected by omeprazole in the other parts of the skeleton. Conclusion: Radioisotope imaging by 99mTc-MDP is sensitive modality to identify the occult fracture and is not affected by omeprazole.