Halastatic demineralization in the vertebrae of Atlantic salmon, during their spawning migration

• Published in: Journal of fish biology Vol. 63; no. 5; pp. 1122 - 1130
• Main Authors: Kacem, A., Meunier, F. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.11.2003; Blackwell
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Brackish; demineralization; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; halastasy; Marine; resorption; Salmo salar; Skeleton and joints; vertebrae; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system; France; Europe; Salmonidae; Demineralization; Spawning; Salmo salar; Resorption; halastasy; Vertebra; Anadromous species; Animal migration; Freshwater environment; Osteoarticular system; Vertebrata; Pisces; Stream; vertebrae
• ISSN: 0022-1112; 1095-8649
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1095-8649.2003.00229.x

There was a significant decrease (c. 10%) in the mineralization of the vertebrae, determined by analysis of quantitative microradiographs, of both sexes of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar during their ascending spawning migration. The decrease was hypothesized to be the result of halastatic demineralization, i.e. the removal of mineral substance with no degradation of the organic matrix of the bone.