Silicon: a possible factor in bone calcification

Science. 1970 Jan 16;167(3916):279-80. doi: 10.1126/science.167.3916.279.

Abstract

Silicon, a relatively unknown trace element in nutritional research, has been uniquely localized in active calcification sites in young bone. Silicon increases directly with calcium at relatively low calcium concentrations and falls below the detection limit at compositions approaching hydroxyapatite. It is suggested that silicon is associated with calcium in an early stage of calcification.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Calcification, Physiologic*
  • Calcium / analysis
  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Hydroxyapatites / analysis
  • Methods
  • Mice
  • Periosteum / analysis
  • Rats
  • Silicon / analysis*
  • Tibia / analysis*

Substances

  • Hydroxyapatites
  • Calcium
  • Silicon