BACKGROUND: Previous studies have showed that stimulating the sciatic nerve and central nerve injury may alter the content of neuropeptide Y (NPY), which influences the osteoclasts and bone metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of NPY on bone mineral density (BMD) after bilateral sciatic denervation and immobilization, and to perform the correlation analysis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Randomized controlled animal experiment was completed in the Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University from September to November in 2006. MATERIALS: Ninety-six male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 10 weeks, we...