SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “OSTEOCLASTS”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 649 records · Page 36Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Calcium-sensing receptor in mature osteoclasts, which are bone resorbing cells.

Bone metabolism consists of osteoblast-mediated bone formation coupled to osteoclastic resorption of bone. Osteoclastic bone resorption plays an important role in normal skeletal development and the maintenance of its integrity throughout life. Although osteoclastic activity is thought to be under the control of feedback regulation by extracellular cations, the molecular mechanism of detecting extracellular cations within the bone microenvironment remains to be clarified. In the present study we showed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis that cultured mature osteoclasts express the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) mRNA. The nucleotide sequence of rabbit osteoclast CaSR was approximately 90% identical to that of CaSR cDNA from human, bovine, and rat parathyroid glands. Moreover, the activity of osteoclastic bone resorption, as determined by pit formation, was regulated by extracellular calcium ion as well as its agonists that are known to act through the CaSR. We conclude that CaSR, homologous to that identified in parathyroid glands, is present in mature osteoclasts and calcium ion released from bone may directly regulate osteoclastic bone resorption.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

A new member of tumor necrosis factor ligand family, ODF/OPGL/TRANCE/RANKL, regulates osteoclast differentiation and function.

Osteoclasts, the multinucleated giant cells that resorb bone, develop from monocyte-macrophage lineage cells. Osteoblasts or bone marrow stromal cells have been suggested to be involved in osteoclastic bone resorption. The recent discovery of new members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-ligand family has elucidated the precise mechanism by which osteoblasts/stromal cells regulate osteoclast differentiation and function. Osteoblasts/stromal cells express a new member of the TNF-ligand family "osteoclast differentiation factor(ODF)/osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL)/TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE)/receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)" as a membrane associated factor. Osteoclast precursors which possess RANK, a TNF receptor family member, recognize ODF/OPGL/TRANCE/RANKL through cell-to-cell interaction with osteoblasts/stromal cells, and differentiate into osteoclasts in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Mature osteoclasts also express RANK, and their bone-resorbingactivity is also induced by ODF/OPGL/TRANCE/RANKL which osteoblasts/stromal cells possess. Osteoprotegerin (OPG)/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF)/TNF receptor-like molecule 1 (TR1) is a soluble decoy receptor for ODF/OPGL/TRANCE/RANKL. Activation of NF-kB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase through the RANK-mediated signaling system appears to be involved in differentiation and activation of osteoclasts.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Microisolated mouse osteoclasts express VIP-1 and PACAP receptors.

Skeletal tissue contains a network of nerve fibers expressing several neuropeptides, including vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the related peptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP). These peptides have been demonstrated to regulate osteoclast formation and osteoclast activity. Using atomic force microscopy and by analysing changes of the intracellular calcium concentrations, we have recently demonstrated that multinucleated rat osteoclasts have cell membrane binding sites recognising VIP and PACAP. In the present study, we have further studied the expression of VIP receptor subtypes in mouse bone marrow cultures and isolated osteoclasts. A micromanipulation technique was used to isolate pure populations of osteoclasts formed in PTH-stimulated mouse bone marrow cultures. By reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we studied the expression of mRNA for VIP-1, VIP-2, and PACAP receptors. The purity of the microisolated osteoclasts was determined by studying the expression of specific mRNA associated with the phenotypic trait of osteoclasts or osteoblasts/stromal cells. In this study, we show that mouse osteoclasts express VIP-1 and PACAP, but not VIP-2, receptor mRNA.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2001

RANKL induces formation of avian osteoclasts from macrophages but not from macrophage polykaryons.

We have shown that chick macrophages express RANK at their surface and human RANKL (hRANKL) triggers the formation of osteoclasts able to degrade dentine. As described for mammalian osteoclasts, hRANKL also stimulates the resorbing activity of chick bone-derived osteoclasts. In other hands, in culture, chick macrophages spontaneously form polykaryons sharing most of the osteoclast markers but unable to resorb bone. Since both bone-resorbing osteoclasts and macrophage polykaryons found in inflammatory tissues are multinucleated cells deriving from the fusion of macrophages, we examined whether macrophage polykaryons could be induced toward bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Long-term exposure of macrophage polykaryons to hRANKL failed to activate any resorbing activity, indicating that although deriving from the same precursors macrophage polykaryons and osteoclasts are independent cell types and polykaryons are not immature osteoclasts.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Postmitotic osteoclast precursors are mononuclear cells which express macrophage-associated phenotypes.

We previously demonstrated that osteoclast-like multinucleated cells were formed within 6 days in cocultures of mouse osteoblastic cells and spleen cells in response to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1 alpha,25(OH)2D3] which was added together with hydroxyurea on Days 4-6 (final 2 days of the 6-day coculture period). Using this coculture system, chronological changes of macrophage-associated phenotypes such as nonspecific esterase (NSE) and antigens to Mac-1, Mac-2, and F4/80 were examined in postmitotic osteoclast precursors during differentiation into osteoclasts induced by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 (10 nM) added on Day 4. Osteoclast differentiation was assessed by examining expression of calcitonin receptors (CTRs) by autoradiography using 125I-labeled salmon CT. CTRs were first detected on small mononuclear cells within 12 hr after adding 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. The number of CTR-positive mononuclear cells attained a maximum at 24 hr and decreased thereafter. CTR-positive multinucleated cells were first observed at 24 hr and reached a maximum population at 48 hr. All CTR-positive cells showed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity (a marker enzyme of osteoclasts). Most of the CTR-positive mononuclear cells which appeared at 12 hr were positive for NSE and antigens to Mac-1 and Mac-2, but negative for F4/80 antigen. The proportion of CTR-positive cells expressing NSE and Mac-1 to total CTR-positive mononuclear cells decreased time dependently. Like authentic osteoclasts, CTR-positive multinucleated cells were negative for NSE and antigens to Mac-1 and F4/80, but positive for Mac-2. These results indicate that postmitotic osteoclast precursors are mononuclear phagocytes with macrophage-associated phenotypes, some of which disappear rapidly during their differentiation into osteoclasts.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1995

Structural determinants of calcium signaling by RGD peptides in rat osteoclasts: integrin-dependent and -independent actions.

Extensive characterization of the vitronectin receptor (VNR), a member of the integrin group of cell adhesion molecules, which is abundantly expressed in osteoclasts, has revealed a role for this receptor in osteoclast adhesion as well as bone resorption. Earlier evidence from our laboratory suggests that VNR is also capable of transducing intracellular signals following receptor ligand interaction, although this function is poorly understood. Thus, addition of peptides containing the minimal tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) integrin recognition sequence elicits transient increases in intracellular free calcium ions, with maximal responses seen with a bone sialoprotein peptide, BSP-IIA. In the present study we have attempted to determine some of the structural requirements for calcium signaling in osteoclasts using derivatives of the peptide PRGDN/T sequence found in bone sialoprotein. While some peptides, such as the parent sequence PRGDN, can induce both signaling and retractile events, it was found that minor structural modifications yielded peptides such as PRADN which elicited a transient increase in intracellular free calcium ions without promoting a reduction in osteoclast spread area (retraction). Conversely, certain other modifications resulted in peptides, such as PrGDN and benzoyl-RGDN, which effect osteoclast retraction, while having minimal Ca2+ signaling capabilities. Osteoclast adhesion, and hence retraction, are known to be RGD-dependent and integrin-dependent events. However, intracellular Ca2+ signaling is RGD-independent and, based on lack of inhibition by an anti-beta 3 integrin antibody F11 and echistatin, very likely integrin-independent. These data suggest that signaling is not always via VNR and as yet unknown receptors on the osteoclast membrane play a role in osteoclast signaling and hence function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

A novel monoclonal antibody recognizing a unique antigen of rat osteoclasts induced by the calcified matrices.

The morphology of osteoclasts, primary cells that resorb bone, is well documented; however, the precise details of their terminal differentiation remains obscure. To date, the only morphological criterion for identifying activated functional osteoclasts has been the presence of ruffled borders. We have developed a rat bone marrow culture system in which osteoclast-like cells formed. These cells fulfilled most of the criteria of osteoclasts, and when they were reseeded on calcified tissue, formed numerous resorption lacunae in vitro. To find an immunological marker for functional osteoclasts, we have used these cells in a functional state as antigens for the preparation of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that reacted with rat osteoclasts; we obtained mAb Ch1 and Ch2. Interestingly, these mAbs reacted with the marginal portion of authentic osteoclasts, where they attached to the bone surface on frozen sections. The reactivity of Ch1 to rat osteoclasts was more restricted than that of Ch2: Ch1 reacted with few tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells on a culture plate. These TRAP-positive cells (including mono- and multinucleated cells) were, however, converted to Ch1-positive cells when they were reseeded on calcified tissues. These findings suggested that the antigen recognized by the Ch1 antibody was induced by some factors of matrix proteins released from calcified tissues.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1994

Carbonic anhydrase II gene transcript in cultured osteoclasts from neonatal rats: effect of calcitonin.

Carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), an enzyme catalyzing the interconversion of CO2 and water to HCO3- and protons, has a key role in osteoclastic bone resorption, but little is known of the regulation of CA II gene expression by calcitonin. Analysis of mRNA in osteoclasts has been difficult because of the problems of obtaining sufficient number of purified osteoclasts from bone. In this study, however, we have investigated the regulation of CA II mRNA in rat osteoclasts and their putative mononuclear precursors by using in situ hybridization. We have found that the CA II gene is expressed at high levels in osteoclasts and what are probably their maturing mononuclear precursors. Measurement of CA II mRNA in cultured osteoclasts and their putative mononuclear precursor cells by cytophotometry provided evidence that calcitonin, a direct inhibitor of mammalian osteoclast activity, reduces the levels of CA II mRNA in a dose dependent manner; maximum reduction was observed at a concentration of 100 pM of calcitonin. In addition, calcitonin reduced the number of CA II mRNA-positive mononuclear precursor cells. The results also suggest that expression of the CA II gene is a feature of cells committed to the osteoclast lineage.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1977

[Paget's disease of bone: ultrastructure and cytogenesis of osteoclasts (author's transl)].

The cytogenesis of giant osteoclasts in Paget's disease of bone was studied by means of electron microscopy. 26 iliac crest biopsies were made and divided for light and electron microscopic investigation. A special procedure was used for electron microscopic preparation of bone without previous decalcification. Paget osteoclasts are characterized by their high content of nuclei. Several nuclei may show paracrystalline inclusions pointing to a possible virus infection of these cells. Giant osteoclasts have an increased mobility and a high resorptive activity, manifest by the dissection of bone fragments from endosteal bone surfaces. Cell membrane interdigitations between mononuclear cells and osteoclasts occur as a morphologic concomitant of cell fusion. Frequent occurence of such cell membrane contacts seem to indicate an increased tendency to cell fusion among the mononuclear precursors of Paget-osteoclasts. Precursor cells are located in the pericapillary region, and morphologically resemble pericytes. The assumption of an increased rate of cell fusion amoungst the precursor cells of osteoclasts might explain the development of giant osteoclasts in this disease. Further studies of the paracrystalline nuclear inclusions of Paget-osteoclasts are necessary to determine whether this process can be considered to be a cytopathogenic effect of virus infection.

Aged↗

PubMed1985

Cell surface antigens on osteoclasts and related cells in the quail studied with monoclonal antibodies.

The properties of five monoclonal antibodies raised against isolated osteoclasts are described. Osteoclasts were isolated from medullary bone of egg-laying female quails. Mice were immunized with cell preparations consisting for about 10% of multinucleated osteoclasts. A large number of monoclonal antibodies against cell surface antigens were obtained, five of which were extensively characterized by their interactions with different tissues of the quail and their cross-reactivity with other species. Two monoclonals (OC 5.3 and OC 6.8), recognize surface antigens present on osteoclasts, monocytes, granulocytes and endothelial cells, but not on osteoblasts, osteocytes, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, erythrocytes and others. The three other monoclonal antibodies are specific for multinucleated osteoclasts in bone tissue but recognize some cell surface structures in other tissues. Antibody OC 6.9, which in bone tissue stains primarily the surface area of the osteoclast that is adjacent to the resorbing bone surface, also interacts with bile capillaries in the liver and with specific, but not yet identified parts of the nephron. The antibodies OC 6.1 and OC 6.3 interact with Kupffer cells in the liver and tissue macrophages of small intestine. In view of the possible fallacies inherent to the use of cell surface markers for the demonstration of cell relationship and origin, definite conclusions can not yet be made. The fact that the osteoclast, the Kupffer cell and the intestine macrophage are the only cells in bone, bone marrow, liver, kidney and intestine, that share the same surface antigen recognized by monoclonals OC 6.1 and OC 6.3, suggests, however, a common origin for osteoclasts and a number of well described tissue macrophages.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

A quantitative cytochemical investigation of osteoclasts and multinucleate giant cells.

Quantitative cytochemical, immunocytochemical, autoradiographic and electron cytochemical investigations have been used to compare osteoclasts with multinucleate giant cells that had been freshly obtained from the same animal. The levels of beta-acid galactosidase activity, the DNA in individual nuclei and the cellular protein content were similar in both cell types. However, osteoclasts generally possessed greater acid phosphatase and NADH dehydrogenase activity but lower levels of fluoride-inhibited non-specific esterase activity than multinucleate giant cells. The acid phosphatase activity in multinucleate giant cells was completely inhibited by 100 mM tartrate, but in osteoclasts only a 20% reduction in activity was observed. Formation of multinucleate giant cells in a "bone microenvironment" (thin bone slices) did not increase their content of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity. Moreover, in osteoclasts, endogenous peroxidase activity was undetectable but present in several granules within the cytoplasm of multinucleate giant cells. Osteoclasts and multinucleate giant cells displayed a similar microtubules distribution, but calcitonin, which induced rearrangement of microtubules and cellular contraction in osteoclasts, had no effect on multinucleate giant cells. Thus, these investigations reveal both similarities and differences between these two syncytia and support the hypothesis that osteoclasts and multinucleate giant cells are related. Possibly osteoclasts arise from monocyte progenitors before commitment to a macrophage lineage has occurred.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1988

Variable osteoclast appearance in human infantile osteopetrosis.

A light and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) study of iliac crest metaphyseal bone from nine patients with infantile osteopetrosis demonstrates a variable spectrum of osteoclast abnormalities. All bone was obtained at biopsy before treatment. The average age at biopsy was 6 months with a range from 1 to 12 months. Osteoclast number was always increased and the cells were always appropriately positioned in relation to bone and cartilage. Osteoclast number, size, and nucleation varied from midly to markedly increased. In those with only a mild-to-moderate osteoclast increase, the marrow had an otherwise near-normal appearance with a good complement of hematopoietic cells. In those with markedly increased osteoclasts (hyperosteoclastic state) there were only scanty collections of hematopoietic cells. Light microscopic histomorphometry documented the percentage of bone and cartilage surfaces covered by osteoclasts. Controls from areas of greatest osteoclast presence documented a 5% coverage. One osteopetrotic patient registered a 4.8% value with all others elevated from 7.6 to 27.9%. Quantitative electron microscopy showed the ruffled border-clear zone complex to be absent or markedly diminished in seven of the nine patients. In two, however, osteoclast profiles had abundant ruffled border-clear zone complexes. Patients with the hyperosteoclastic bone marrow were more severely affected clinically. Light and TEM studies of marrow biopsies in initial assessment of osteopetrosis establish a baseline profile, may provide prognostic information, and allow for more meaningful treatment follow-up.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2006

Dexamethasone inhibits the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts via down-regulation of beta3 integrin expression.

Although glucocorticoids are known to affect osteoclast differentiation and function, there have been conflicting reports about the effect of glucocorticoids on osteoclast formation, leading to the assumption that microenvironment and cell type influence their action. We explored the effect of the synthetic glucocorticoid analog dexamethasone on the formation of osteoclasts. Dexamethasone inhibited the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated osteoclasts without affecting the formation of TRAP-positive mononuclear cells in a coculture of mouse osteoblasts and bone marrow cells. Dexamethasone did not inhibit mRNA expression levels of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand and osteoprotegerin, the essential regulators of osteoclastogenesis. Dexamethasone down-regulated the expression of beta3 integrin mRNA and protein but did not alter expression of other osteoclast differentiation marker genes. Both dexamethasone and echistatin, a beta3 integrin function blocker, inhibited TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclast formation but not TRAP-positive mononuclear cell formation. These results suggest that dexamethasone inhibits the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts, at least in part, through the down-regulation of beta3 integrin, which plays an important role in the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Menatetrenone (vitamin K2) acts directly on circulating human osteoclast precursors.

It is still not certain what the direct effect of menatetrenone is on osteoclast precursors. In the present study, we investigated whether menatetrenone has a direct effect on circulating osteoclast precursors to influence osteoclast differentiation. Monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood were cultured with receptor-activated NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Menatetrenone or vitamin K1 was then added to the cultures. Geranylgeraniol or phytol (the respective side chain) was also added to the cultures instead of menatetrenone or vitamin K1, respectively. After 7 and 14 days incubation, cultures were evaluated for cytochemical and functional evidence of osteoclast formation. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (MNCs) and the percentage area of lacunar resorption induced by RANKL and M-CSF were decreased when menatetrenone or geranylgeraniol was added to the cultures. Dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclast formation and lacunar resorption was seen when the cultures were treated with menatetrenone or geranylgeraniol. In contrast, vitamin K1 or phytol did not affect the number of TRAP-positive MNCs nor the percentage area of lacunar resorption. These results indicate that menatetrenone not only influences osteoclast formation via bone stromal cells but also acts directly on circulating osteoclast precursors to influence osteoclast differentiation. These findings also suggest that geranylgeraniol, the side chain of menatetrenone, plays an important role in this inhibitory effect.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2003

Blockade of the pore-forming P2X7 receptor inhibits formation of multinucleated human osteoclasts in vitro.

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated, terminally differentiated cells formed by the fusion of mononuclear hemopoietic precursors. Their function is the resorption of bone, which is an essential part of the growth, modeling and remodeling of the skeleton. Though some osteoclast differentiation factors have recently been identified, the molecular basis for the fusion process that leads to multinucleation is poorly understood. The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor is a plasma membrane receptor belonging to the family of P2X purinergic receptors. It is known to be expressed by cells of hemopoietic origin where its activation leads to multiple downstream events including cytokine release, cell permeabilization and apoptosis. More recently this receptor has been implicated in the generation of multinucleated giant cells and polykaryons. Here we show that human osteoclasts express P2X7 receptors in vitro and in vivo, and that these receptors are functional in vitro, as assessed by pore-formation studies. More importantly, blockade of the P2X7 receptor with the antagonist oxidized ATP or a blocking monoclonal antibody significantly inhibits the fusion of osteoclast precursors to form multinucleated osteoclasts. Taken in combination with previous results from our laboratory demonstrating P2X7 receptor-mediated apoptosis and inhibition of bone resorption in vitro, these data suggest an important role for the P2X7 receptor in the regulation of the osteoclast population. The P2X7 receptor provides a significant new target for modulating osteoclast function in diseases characterized by increased osteoclast number and excessive bone turnover.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed2004

Differences in the fusion and resorption activity of human osteoclasts after stimulation with different growth factors released from a polylactide carrier.

Previous in vivo studies were able to demonstrate the efficacy of locally released growth factors IGF-I, TGF-beta1, and BMP-2 from a poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) implant coating on fracture healing. In vitro studies using human osteoblast-like cells showed an enhanced collagen-1 production due to growth factor application without an effect of the PDLLA on the investigated parameter. Both bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts are important during bone formation and fracture healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different growth factors and the polylactide coating into which they were incorporated on isolated osteoclasts. In vitro studies using human osteoclast-like cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were performed. Titanium K-wires coated with the lactide loaded with IGF-I and TGF-beta1 (alone and in combination) or BMP-2 were added to the culture in a non-contact manner and the fusion, resorption activity (pit formation assay), and TRAP 5b synthesis of the cells were analyzed. Differences in the effect of the growth factors were seen depending on the differentiation state of the cells. The fusion of the monocytes to multinuclear osteoclasts was significantly enhanced by the application of TGF-beta1 both alone and in combination with IGF-I. No effect was seen after application of IGF-I alone or BMP-2. The resorption activity of the osteoclasts analyzed on dentine chips was significantly enhanced after application of TGF-beta1 or BMP-2. These results indicate a differentiation-dependent effect of growth factors on osteoclasts. TGF-beta1 affects both the osteoclastogenesis and the activity of osteoclasts, whereas BMP-2 had an effect only on the activity of mature osteoclasts but not on the fusion of the PBMNCs.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2001

Alendronate disturbs vesicular trafficking in osteoclasts.

The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate alendronate inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption through inhibition of the mevalonate pathway. This results in impaired protein prenylation and may affect the function of small GTPases in osteoclasts. Since these proteins are important regulators of vesicle transport in cells, we investigated the possible interference of alendronate with these processes in isolated rat osteoclasts. We show here that alendronate-induced inhibition of bone resorption coincides with accumulation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase- and electron dense material-containing tubular vesicles in osteoclasts. Alendronate-induced changes in osteoclasts also included widening of the sealing zone areas and incomplete organization of tight attachments and ruffled borders. Osteoclasts also appeared partially detached from the bone surface, and organic matrix was typically dissolved only at the edges of the resorption pits on alendronate-coated bone slices. In contrast, resorption pits on the control and clodronate-coated bone slices were thoroughly resorbed. Inhibition of bone resorption by alendronate was not, however, related to a decrease in osteoclast number. In conclusion, our findings suggest that alendronate inactivates osteoclasts by mechanisms that impair their intracellular vesicle transport, apoptosis being only a secondary phenomenon to this.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1998

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase in the formation of superoxide in osteoclasts.

Osteoclasts use a variety of chemical agents to degrade bone. One important component of this process is the generation of superoxide. It has been reported that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is the enzyme responsible for superoxide production in phagocyte; however, the NADPH oxidase present in osteoclasts has not been studied in detail. One of the membrane-bound subunits of the NADPH oxidase is gp91(phox) which represents the rate-limiting component for the formation of the NADPH oxidase complex. This study was designed to demonstrate the presence of gp91(phox) in individual osteoclasts using the RT-PCR technique developed for limited numbers of cells. Compared with white cells, 1.8 times the amount of gp91(phox) mRNA was found in osteoclasts. This difference may be related to the size of the osteoclast and the multiple nuclei present. The presence of gp91(phox) in osteoclasts was confirmed at protein level by immunocytochemistry. Osteoclastic superoxide generation is inhibited by diphenylene iodonium, a specific inhibitor of the NADPH oxidase. These studies suggest that superoxide generation by osteoclasts correlates with the activity of NADPH oxidase.

Animals↗