*2.6. Biopsy Processing and Analyses*

Bone biopsies were prepared for histology according to previously described procedures [49]. In short, the biopsies were fixed overnight in 4% phosphate-buffered formaldehyde and transferred to alcohol 70% [50]. After dehydration, the bone specimens were embedded without prior decalcification in methyl methacrylate supplemented with 20% dibutylphtalaat and 0.008 g/mL Lucidol. The biopsies were cut into 5 μm longitudinal sections (Polycut S., Leica microtome type sm2500s, Leica, Wetzlar,

Germany). Goldner's trichrome staining was used to evaluate bone mass indices and osteoid surface [51]. Tartrate resistant acid phosphate (TRAP) staining was performed to visualize osteoclasts. Von Kossa staining was performed to visualize mineralized tissue.
