Objective:To explore the significance of osteocyte apoptosis in alcohol-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head.Methods:The experimental group was administered the wine containing 50% of alcohol with dosage of 8 mL/(kg.d) and isodose NS as controls by pouring into stomach with a plastic tube for 1 to 6 months

to observe the changes of histology in the femoral head and to study osteocytes apoptosis by means of TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL).Results:The number of apoptosis in the experimental group (107.60‰±25.87‰) was significantly higher than the control ( P <0.01) in second month.With the passing of the time

osteocytes apoptosis progressively increased.In third and sixth month

the percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae in the experimental group was increased remarkably to 16.61%±3.60% and 27.93%±3.06%

respectively

compared with the controls(10.69%±3.11%

11.24%±2.64%)( P <0.05

P <0.01).The transmissible electron microscope study of the osteocyte apoptosis showed that characteristics included intact nuclear membrane

condensed chromatin and increased electron dense.Conclusion:Osteocytes apoptosis may play a key role in the process of alcohol-induced early avascular necrosis of the femoral head.