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PubMed2003

S 12911-2 inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro.

The potential anti-osteoporotic activity of the strontium compound, S12911, was tested on osteoclast-like cells and on cultured fetal mouse long bones. From 1 mM Sr2+, S12911 reduced both basal and stimulated bone resorption by decreasing osteoclast activity and ruffled border formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of S 12911-2 on osteoclastic bone resorption using in vitro systems. Osteoclast-like cells, produced in vitro by co-culture of mouse bone marrow cells with primary osteoblasts, were allowed to settle on dentine slices, and the area of resorption pits formed after 48 h was measured using an image analysis system. S 12911-2, at a minimal active concentration of 1 mM Sr2+, significantly reduced pit formation by these cells (p < 0.05). Pretreatment of slices for 48 h with S 12911-2 (5 mM Sr2+) did not produce appreciable inhibition of resorption. Bone resorption in cultured fetal mouse long bones was assessed by measuring the release of pre-incorporated 45calcium. S 12911-2 inhibited resorption in control cultures (18.9%, p < or = 0.05) and in bones cultured with the active form of vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] (44.5%, p < or = 0.05). S 12911-2 had no effect on the number of osteoclasts observed histochemically in longitudinal sections prepared from fetal mouse long bones. Electron microscopy of mouse long bones treated with S 12911-2 (3 mM Sr2+) showed osteoclasts with clear zones facing the bone surface, but without well-developed ruffled borders; untreated bones contained osteoclasts with normal ruffled borders. These results indicate that S 12911-2 inhibits osteoclast activity. This effect is directly linked to the presence of strontium, is effective on basal and stimulated resorption, and involves a decrease in ruffled border formation by osteoclasts.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Osteoclast differentiation by RANKL requires NF-kappaB-mediated downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6).

UNLABELLED: This study investigated the involvement of cell cycle factors in RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Among the G1 cell cycle factors, Cdk6 was found to be a key molecule in determining the differentiation rate of osteoclasts as a downstream effector of the NF-kappaB signaling. INTRODUCTION: A temporal arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle is a prerequisite for cell differentiation, making it possible that cell cycle factors regulate not only the proliferation but also the differentiation of cells. This study investigated cell cycle factors that critically influence differentiation of the murine monocytic RAW264.7 cells to osteoclasts induced by RANKL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growth-arrested RAW cells were stimulated with serum in the presence or absence of soluble RANKL (100 ng/ml). Expressions of the G1 cell cycle factors cyclin D1, D2, D3, E, cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 2, 4, 6, and Cdk inhibitors (p18 and p27) were determined by Western blot analysis. Involvement of NF-kappaB and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways was examined by overexpressing dominant negative mutants of the IkappaB kinase 2 (IKK(DN)) gene and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7(DN)) gene, respectively, using the adenovirus vectors. To determine the direct effect of Cdk6 on osteoclast differentiation, stable clones of RAW cells transfected with Cdk6 cDNA were established. Osteoclast differentiation was determined by TRACP staining, and cell cycle regulation was determined by BrdU uptake and flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Among the cell cycle factors examined, the Cdk6 level was downregulated by RANKL synchronously with the appearance of multinucleated osteoclasts. Inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway by IKK(DN) overexpression, but not that of the JNK pathway by MKK7(DN) overexpression, caused the decreases in both Cdk6 downregulation and osteoclastogenesis by RANKL. RAW cells overexpressing Cdk6 resist RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis; however, cell cycle regulation was not affected by the levels of Cdk6 overexpression, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of Cdk6 on osteoclast differentiation was not exerted through cell cycle regulation. These results indicate that Cdk6 is a critical regulator of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and that its NF-kappaB-mediated downregulation is essential for efficient osteoclast differentiation.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in spreading osteoclasts induced by colony-stimulating factor-1.

BACKGROUND: Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), a growth and survival factor for osteoclasts, stimulates these cells to spread and migrate towards a gradient of CSF-1. This may support the translocation of osteoclasts to new sites on the bone surface to be resorbed. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) is a lipid kinase participating in various signal transduction pathways. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of PI 3-K in the CSF-1-induced spreading of osteoclasts. METHODS: In isolated rat osteoclasts treated with or without CSF-1, the distribution of PI 3-K and proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine were investigated using immunofluorescence. In murine osteoclast-like cells grown from bone marrow cells co-cultured with osteoblasts, the activation of the PI 3-K by CSF-1 was determined both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, the enzyme product in the cell was determined after extraction and separation with thin layer chromatography; in vitro, PI 3-K activity was measured in the pellet immunoprecipitated from the cell lysate. RESULTS: Inhibition of PI 3-K blocked the CSF-1-induced spreading of osteoclasts. In spreading osteoclasts, a portion of PI 3-K was translocated to the periphery where proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine appeared simultaneously. In osteoclast-like cells, CSF-1 stimulated PI 3-K activity. This activity could be immunoprecipitated with antibody against phophotyrosine residues. CONCLUSION: PI 3-K participates in the CSF-1-induced spreading of osteoclasts. The activated PI 3-K may induce the reorganization of the cytoskeleton resulting in spreading and migration.

Androstadienes↗

PubMed2003

The effects of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) on the development of osteoclasts and their expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in toothless (tl-osteopetrotic) rats.

The osteopetrotic mutation toothless (tl) in the rat is characterized by a limited number of osteoclasts with reduced amounts and/or activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Treatment of tl/tl mutants with the cytokine colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1 increases both osteoclast number and enzyme activity, consistent with a loss-of-function mutation in the CSF-1 gene recently detected in this mutant. We have pursued these observations to demonstrate that there is a dose-dependent increase in osteoclast number, but not to normal levels. Osteoclasts in CSF-1-treated tl/tl mutants are large, have well-developed clear zones and ruffled borders, and secrete TRAP into resorption lacunae. The expression of TRAP mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity per bone appear normal after CSF-1 treatment. However, in contrast to the predominantly apical intracellular distribution in normal osteoclasts, an enrichment of TRAP enzyme activity in osteoclasts of CSF-1-treated tl/tl mutants is observed in the basal part of the cell. Our observations suggest that the CSF-1-treated mutant bones contain an abundance of mature osteoclasts, actively expressing markers for osteoclasts such as TRAP, cathepsin K, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Accumulation of TRAP at the end of the endocytic pathway in mature osteoclasts formed during CSF-1 treatment suggests that the TRAP enzyme has a rapid turnover in these highly active cells and uses a transcytotic pathway.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1999

SC-19220, a prostaglandin E2 antagonist, inhibits osteoclast formation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in cell cultures.

1,25 Dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) induce osteoclast formation in cell cultures. Previously, we have shown that SC-19220, an antagonist of the EP1 subtype of PGE receptors, inhibited tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cell formation by PGE2 and PTH in adherent cell cultures taken from neonatal rats. Since 1,25(OH)2D3 has been shown to induce osteoclast formation through PGE2 synthesis, in this study we have examined the effect of SC-19220 on osteoclast formation induced by 1,25(OH)2D3 in cell cultures by measuring bone resorption as well as TRAP-positive cell formation. SC-19220 inhibited osteoclast formation by 1,25(OH)2D3 as well as by PGE2 in cell cultures. The addition of SC-19220 to the later half but not to the earlier half of the culture inhibited 1,25(OH)2D3-induced formation. In the culture in which hydroxyurea was added in the later half period, SC-19220 inhibited osteoclast formation by 1, 25(OH)2D3. Under these conditions, 17-phenyl PGE1, an EP1 agonist, induced osteoclast formation. Thus, SC-19220 inhibits certain reactions in the later processes of osteoclast formation induced by 1,25(OH)2D3. In addition, SC-19220 also inhibited osteoclast formation induced by interleukin (IL)-11 and IL-6 as well as by PTH. It is suggested that the SC-19220 inhibiting reactions are shared by all the inducers including 1,25(OH)2D3 and are essential for osteoclast formation.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Immunohistochemical localization of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase in osteoclasts of rat tibiae.

The localization of vacuolar H(+)-atpASE (V-ATPase) in osteoclasts of rat tibiae was examined immunohistochemically using antibodies to 57 kD and 72 kD subunits of V-ATPase, with confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The two antibodies showed similar immunoreactivities in osteoclasts. We distinguished three patterns of immunoreactivity in osteoclasts: The first pattern was that immunoreactivity was diffusely detected in cytoplasm of osteoclasts; The second one was that osteoclasts showed intense immunoreactivity in their regions contacting with bone surface; and the last was that little immunoreactivity was seen in osteoclasts. Post-embedding methods with protein A-gold complex revealed that the subunits of V-ATPase were localized not only on the membranes of the ruffled borders of osteoclasts, but also around the Golgi apparatus and accumulated tubular lysosomes. These findings suggest that: 1) immunoreactive patterns for V-ATPase in osteoclasts reflect the polarity and activity of osteoclasts; and 2) V-ATPase on ruffled borders may be transported through tubular lysosomes.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Localization of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway molecules, NOS III-phosphorylation sites, ERK1/2, and Akt/PKB in osteoclasts.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) mediates different cellular functions by activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) that converts guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) to cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP). Membrane-bound GCs produce cGMP in response to natriuretic peptides in osteoblasts, but neither the NO-target enzyme sGC, nor the phosphorylation sites of NOS III, nor their regulation by extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and Akt/protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) in osteoclasts have been established. METHODS: Rat molars with periodontium were perfusion- and post-fixed, decalcified, and frozen-sectioned. Free-floating sections were stained using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) histochemical techniques and immunoreacted with antisera against NO-synthase (NOS) I-III, NOS III phoshorylated at Thr495, NOS III phoshorylated at Serine1177 (Ser1177), ERK1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2, Akt/PKB, phosphorylated Akt/PKB, sGC (alpha2/beta1), and cGMP. RESULTS: NADPH-d staining and immunostaining of NOS I-III, NOS III phosphorylated at Ser1177, ERK1/2, Akt/PKB, phosphorylated Akt/PKB, sGC (alpha2 and beta1-subunits), and cGMP were detected in osteoclasts. Immunohistochemical reaction products for NOS III phosphorylated at threonine495 (Thr495) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 could not be identified in osteoclasts. Comparison of TRAP activity and immunostaining for sGC beta1-subunit revealed that sGC beta1-subunit is only expressed in a sub-population of osteoclasts. CONCLUSIONS: NO is likely to be generated by NOS I and NOS III in osteoclasts. The inconstant expression of NOS II in some osteoclasts may be explained with inducible expression of NOS II upon physiological cell activation. Localization of the sGC alpha2- and beta1-subunits and cGMP in osteoclasts is compatible with an involvement of NO-sGC signaling in the homeostasis of osteoclasts. The phosphorylation site of NOS III at Ser1177 and phosphorylated Akt/PKB are involved in regulation of NO production by NOS III in osteoclasts under basal conditions.

Alveolar Process↗

PubMed1998

Integrin-mediated signaling in the regulation of osteoclast adhesion and activation.

Integrins are heterodimeric membrane receptors that mediate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell-cell interactions. Integrins provide a physical link between the ECM and the cell cytoskeleton, and transduce signals which lead to elevation of cytosolic pH and calcium levels, changes in phospholipid metabolism and ultimately regulate gene expression. Osteoclast bone resorption is a complicated multistep process, that starts with matrix recognition, osteoclast attachment, polarization and formation of the sealing zone on the bone, followed by the directional secretion of acids and lysosomal enzymes to the resorbing surface. Osteoclasts exhibit high expression of the alpha v beta 3 integrin, which binds to a variety of RGD-containing proteins including vitronectin, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. RGD-containing peptides, RGD-mimetics and blocking antibodies to alpha v beta 3 integrins were shown to inhibit bone resorption in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that this integrin plays an important role in regulating osteoclast activity. Furthermore, RGD-containing peptides and proteins modulate osteoclastic cytosolic calcium levels. Phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase and c-Src were co-immunoprecipitated with alpha v beta 3 integrins in these cells. In addition, c-Cbl was found to be a substrate of c-Src in osteoclasts. More recently, ligand-engagement or clustering of alpha v beta 3 integrins in osteoclasts induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PYK2, a member of the focal adhesion kinase family, and of p130cas, a substrate of v-Src and v-Crk. Both PYK2 and p130cas were also found in the sealing zone of actively resorbing osteoclasts. How these signaling molecules interact with each other in mediating the alpha v beta 3 rate limiting effect on bone resorption is not well understood. They emerged however as key players in linking the adhesion of osteoclasts to the bone matrix, to cytoskeletal organization, and to the polarization and activation of these cells for bone resorption.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Interaction of Fas ligand and Fas expressed on osteoclast precursors increases osteoclastogenesis.

We incidentally found that osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts express Fas ligand (FasL) as well as Fas, which was confirmed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, and RT-PCR. The aim of this study was to determine the role of FasL in differentiation and cell death of osteoclasts. To study the role of FasL in osteoclastogenesis, neutralizing anti-FasL mAb or rFasL was added during receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis using bone marrow-derived macrophages. Neutralization of endogenous FasL by anti-FasL mAb decreased osteoclastogenesis, whereas rFasL enhanced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, rFasL up-regulated the secretion of osteoclastogenic cytokines, such as IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and the activation of NF-kappaB. Functional blocking of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha using IL-1 receptor antagonist and soluble TNFR confirmed that those cytokines mediated the effect of FasL on osteoclastogenesis. The osteoclast precursors were relatively resistant to rFasL-induced apoptosis especially before RANKL treatment, resulting in minimal cell loss by rFasL treatment during osteoclastogenesis. Although rFasL increased the cell death of mature osteoclasts, growth factor withdrawal induced much more cell death. However, anti-FasL mAb did not affect the survival of mature osteoclasts, suggesting that the endogenous FasL does not have a role in the apoptosis of osteoclasts. Finally, in contrast to the effect on apoptosis, rFasL-assisted osteoclastogenesis was not mediated by caspases. In conclusion, FasL has a novel function in bone homeostasis by enhancing the differentiation of osteoclasts, which was not considered previously.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

IL-4 inhibits bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts by affecting NF-kappa B and Ca2+ signaling.

IL-4 is an important immune cytokine that regulates bone homeostasis. We investigated the molecular mechanism of IL-4 action on bone-resorbing mature osteoclasts. Using a highly purified population of mature osteoclasts, we show that IL-4 dose-dependently inhibits receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced bone resorption by mature osteoclasts. We detected the existence of IL-4R mRNA in mature osteoclasts. IL-4 decreases TRAP expression without affecting multinuclearity of osteoclasts, and inhibits actin ring formation and migration of osteoclasts. Interestingly, IL-4 inhibition of bone resorption occurs through prevention of RANKL-induced nuclear translocation of p65 NF-kappaB subunit, and intracellular Ca(2+) changes. Moreover, IL-4 rapidly decreases RANKL-stimulated ionized Ca(2+) levels in the blood, and mature osteoclasts in IL-4 knockout mice are sensitive to RANKL action to induce bone resorption and hypercalcemia. Furthermore, IL-4 inhibits bone resorption and actin ring formation by human mature osteoclasts. Thus, we reveal that IL-4 acts directly on mature osteoclasts and inhibits bone resorption by inhibiting NF-kappaB and Ca(2+) signaling.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2005

Muramyl dipeptide enhances osteoclast formation induced by lipopolysaccharide, IL-1 alpha, and TNF-alpha through nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2-mediated signaling in osteoblasts.

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) is the minimal essential structural unit responsible for the immunoadjuvant activity of peptidoglycan. As well as bone-resorbing factors such as 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3) and PGE2, LPS and IL-1alpha stimulate osteoclast formation in mouse cocultures of primary osteoblasts and hemopoietic cells. MDP alone could not induce osteoclast formation in the coculture, but enhanced osteoclast formation induced by LPS, IL-1alpha, or TNF-alpha but not 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 or PGE2. MDP failed to enhance osteoclast formation from osteoclast progenitors induced by receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) or TNF-alpha. MDP up-regulated RANKL expression in osteoblasts treated with LPS or TNF-alpha but not 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. Osteoblasts expressed mRNA of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (Nod2), an intracellular sensor of MDP, in response to LPS, IL-1alpha, or TNF-alpha but not 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. Induction of Nod2 mRNA expression by LPS but not by TNF-alpha in osteoblasts was dependent on TLR4 and MyD88. MDP also enhanced TNF-alpha-induced osteoclast formation in cocultures prepared from Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter protein (TIRAP)-deficient mice through the up-regulation of RANKL mRNA expression in osteoblasts, suggesting that TLR2 is not involved in the MDP-induced osteoclast formation. The depletion of intracellular Nod2 by small interfering RNA blocked MDP-induced up-regulation of RANKL mRNA in osteoblasts. LPS and RANKL stimulated the survival of osteoclasts, and this effect was not enhanced by MDP. These results suggest that MDP synergistically enhances osteoclast formation induced by LPS, IL-1alpha, and TNF-alpha through RANKL expression in osteoblasts, and that Nod2-mediated signals are involved in the MDP-induced RANKL expression in osteoblasts.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

PubMed2000

Hypergravity effects on osteoclasts activity.

The long-term space flight induces a loss of bone density. However, the mechanism has not been well understood, especially about gravity effect on osteoclast. To elucidate the gravitational effect on osteoclasts, we examined the rabbit primary osteoclasts applied to hypergravity and compared the mRNA expression of two kinds of osteoclast marker enzymes, TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) and cathepsin K at the transcription level. Rabbit osteoclasts isolated according to the modified method of Kakudo et al. were cultured on ivory and exposed to 30 x g for 2 hr or 18 hr by placing the culture tubes in a swinging bucket rotor. Results by RT-PCR suggested that hypergravity enhanced the mRNA expression of both enzymes with different manner; the expression of the TRAP showed a smaller increase, that of the cathepsin K showed a non-monotonous time course with maximum hypergravity effect for 2 hr incubation. Moreover we examined the hypergravity effect on actin ring formation in osteoclasts; however, we got no hypergravity effect on the numbers of activated osteoclasts with actin ring formation. These results might suggest that hypergravity has no effect on the number of osteoclasts with resorption activity, but enhances the resorption activity of activated osteoclasts.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1992

[Mechanism of acid production and secretion by osteoclasts].

Osteoclasts are primary cells responsible for bone resorption. The most characteristic feature of osteoclasts is the presence of ruffled borders and clear zones. The resorbing area under the ruffled border of osteoclasts is acidic, which favors dissolution of bone mineral. In bone-resorbing osteoclasts, hydrogen ions are provided by carbonic anhydrase II, which catalyzes the hydration of CO2 to H2CO3. Recently, it has been shown that the proton pump of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase type exists in the ruffled border membranes of osteoclasts. Secretion of hydrogen ions by osteoclasts generates an equal amount of cytoplasmic base equivalents, principally as HCO3-. Osteoclasts have a chloride/bicarbonate exchanger, which normalizes the intracellular pH when osteoclasts actively resorb bone. In this paper, we review the mechanism of the acid secretion by osteoclasts.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Role of EP3 and EP4 prostaglandin receptors in reorganization of the cytoskeleton in mature human osteoclasts.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoclasts are central to the pathophysiology of several bone diseases. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is well known to influence osteoclasts indirectly, but its direct action on osteoclasts is still controversial and the relevant receptors are unknown. We investigated the distribution and function of EP receptors in human mature osteoclasts. METHODS: Osteoclasts were extracted from femurs and tibias of human fetuses obtained from legal abortions. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the presence of EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors on these cells. Actin staining and fluorescent microscopy were used to detect the effects of receptor activation on the cytoskeleton. RESULTS: Only EP3 and EP4 receptors were detected at the RNA and protein level in osteoclasts. These receptors were functional: PGE2 decreased the number of osteoclasts presenting an actin ring; 11-deoxy-PGE1, an EP2 and EP4 agonist, also decreased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells with an actin ring; sulprostone, an EP3-specific agonist, had no effect on this variable but increased the number of cells with lamellipodia. CONCLUSION: Mature human osteoclasts present 2 subtypes of EP receptors, namely EP3 and EP4, that mediate different actions of PGE2 on these cells: activation of the EP4 receptors inhibits actin ring formation and activation of the EP3 receptors increases the number of lamellipodia. Activation or inhibition of these receptors by specific agents could be used to study and influence osteoclast function.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Differential effects of genistein, estradiol and raloxifene on rat osteoclasts in vitro.

Genistein, a major phytoestrogen of soy, is considered a potential drug for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is not clear whether mechanism of action of genistein on bone turnover is distinct from that of estradiol or raloxifene. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of genistein on the formation of osteoclasts from neonatal rat bone marrow cells in vitro, and compare them with those of estradiol and raloxifene. Formation of osteoclasts was stimulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, added to the culture media on the second day after plating, together with genistein (10(-8)-10(-5) M), estradiol (10(-10)-10(-7) M) or raloxifene (10(-9)-10(-6) M). The bone marrow cell culture lasted 7 or 9 days. Number of osteoclasts and number of osteoclast "ghosts" (necrotic giant cells) were determined. Genistein, estradiol and raloxifene, at some concentrations, decreased the number of osteoclasts after 9-day culture of bone marrow cells. Genistein decreased the number at 10(-8) M because of decreasing the viability of osteoclasts, whereas at 10(-5) M due to attenuation of osteoclast formation. Estradiol decreased the osteoclast number at 10(-9) M due to decreasing their viability, whereas at 10(-8) and 10(-7) M it was the effect of both decreasing the viability and inhibition of the formation. Decreases in the number of osteoclasts caused by raloxifene (10(-9), 10(-8) M were the effect of decreasing the viability of these cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in tibial osteoclasts and cells elicited by ectopic bone and suture implants in normal and osteopetrotic rats.

Bone-induced multinucleated cells have been suggested as surrogates for the study of osteoclastic lineage and function. This study evaluates this proposal by comparing acid phosphatase localization in tibial osteoclasts (in situ) with that of cell populations elicited by subcutaneous implantation of devitalized trabecular bone chips from two week old rats and suture into normal and osteopetrotic (ia) rats, emphasizing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, an osteoclastic marker. The ia rat mutation of osteopetrosis is characterized by defective osteoclasts which typically express enhanced TRAP activity when compared to normal; ia macrophage populations do not share the same osteoclastic defect and demonstrate normal amounts of acid phosphatase reactivity. The majority of the acid phosphatase activity expressed by implant-elicited mononuclear cells was tartrate sensitive. An increase in the percentage of tartrate-sensitive, but not TRAP-positive, mononuclear cells was observed during the 14-day implantation period, suggesting the mononuclear cells did not undergo osteoclastic differentiation. Both normal and ia osteoclasts contained high concentrations of TRAP reaction product (++) while bone- and suture-induced multinucleated cells examined at 14 days post-implantation were negative (0) or mildly (+) TRAP reactive. We conclude that devitalized bone matrix implanted at this ectopic site is capable of the formation of TRAP-positive (+) multinucleated cells, but when compared on the basis of strength of TRAP activity, the bone-induced multinucleated cells do not resemble active osteoclasts, but are similar to suture-elicited macrophage polykaryons. Therefore, we suggest caution in the use of bone-induced multinucleated cells as surrogates for the study of osteoclasts and normal bone resorption. Instead, these cells may represent a population of cells involved in pathological bone loss due to inflammation.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1987

Osteopetrosis in the toothless rat: failure of osteoclast differentiation and function.

Toothless is an osteopetrotic mutation in the rat characterized by reduced bone resorption, few osteoclasts and failure to be cured by bone marrow transplants from normal littermates. The latter could be due to the production of bone that cannot recruit or activate normal osteoclasts or their precursors. We tested this hypothesis using a metatarsal organ culture system in which metatarsals are cultured with various tissues which act as sources of osteoclast precursors. Mutant metatarsals cultured alone or with mutant tissue had numerous large mononuclear cells, few osteoclasts, no marrow spaces and no evidence of bone resorption. Culture of mutant metatarsals with normal liver or spleen caused no changes in osteoclast number or bone resorption. Cultures of normal metatarsals had large osteoclasts, bone resorption and marrow spaces. Histochemical analyses demonstrated that strong tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was present in all osteoclasts and in some mononuclear cells in normal metatarsals. Mutant metatarsals before or after culture contained no TRAP-positive osteoclasts and an occasional, weakly staining mononuclear cell only when co-cultured with normal spleen which contained TRAP-positive mononuclear cells. We interpret these data to mean that the mutant skeletal environment is unable to support the development and differentiation of normal osteoclasts. These observations are consistent with the failure of toothless rats to be cured by bone marrow transplants from normal littermates.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Monoclonal antibodies to osteoclastomas (giant cell bone tumors): definition of osteoclast-specific cellular antigens.

The cellular origin of the osteoclast, the major agent of bone resorption, remains controversial despite the demonstration that osteoclasts form by fusion of mononuclear cells that are ultimately derived from a bone marrow stem cell. One view is that they are the terminally differentiated progeny of mononuclear phagocytic cells. However, we have previously provided evidence, from functional and phenotypic studies of rodent and human osteoclasts, that raises the possibility that osteoclasts form a separate cell lineage from conventional hemopoietic cells and macrophages in particular. In an attempt to elucidate this question, we have used monoclonal antibody techniques to examine the relationship between osteoclasts and other bone marrow-derived cells. By using osteoclasts from osteoclastomas (giant cell tumors of bone) for immunizations, we have produced 11 mouse hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies reacting with osteoclasts in normal human fetal bone and a variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic bone lesions. Eight antibodies in 4 reactivity sets have been shown to recognize membrane antigens, whereas a further 3 react with cytoplasmic determinants. In 7 there is no cross-reactivity with macrophages in a wide range of tissues, thus effectively differentiating between these two cell types. These antibodies will prove useful for the identification of osteoclasts in tissues and in the separation of their circulating precursors, thus allowing an experimental approach to be made to many of the outstanding questions regarding the developmental pathobiology of the osteoclast.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗