The aim of the present studyis to determine if saliva can be used as a marker of
osteoporosis in overiectomized dogs and for the effect of hormone replacement
therapy in this model. Eighteen female dogs were divided into three groups: Sham
operated, ovariectomized (OVX) and ovariectomized treated with hormone
replacement therapy (HRT). Unstimulated saliva was collected to measure flow rate
ml/hour, outputs of α- amylase, total protein, bicarbonate and calcium. Bone turnover
was estimated by measuring serum and salivary osteocalcin. The results of the
present work showed that ovariectomy (OVX) produces a significant decrease in
salivary flow rate and outputs of salivary constituents studied with significant
negative correlation with both salivary and serum osteocalcin. While ovariectomy
with hormone replacement therapy decrease salivary and serum osteocalcin and
causes a significant increase in flow of saliva and outputs of all salivary parameters
that show significant negative correlation with both osteocalcins, however the flow
rate and outputs of all salivary constituents, serum and salivary osteocalcin does not
return to sham operated level. In Conclusion the flow rate and output of these
salivary parameters are improved by HRT and that whole saliva is considered as a
valuable tool for assessing human marker of bone turnover.