Development of a new method for obtaining osteoclasts from endosteal surfaces

Techniques for the isolation of a highly pure population of viable osteoclasts are limited. For this reason, we developed an isolation procedure that results in a high yield of osteoclast-like cells, up to 92% pure, from 3-wk-old chicken tibias. The unique feature of the method is the migration of cells from marrow-free endosteal surfaces to vitronectin-coated plates. The cells retain the osteoclast phenotype and remain viable in culture for a minimum of 1 wk. The cells were characterized and compared to two populations of authentic avian osteoclasts, which were isolated on the basis of association with fibronectin-coated plates. The cells contained substantial amounts of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Alkaline phosphatase levels were negligible, suggesting little contamination by osteoblasts. Response to parathyroid hormone, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, calcitonin, acetazolamide, 17 beta-estradiol, and prostaglandin E2 was evident, as detected by measuring acid production. The vitronectin-associating cells contained numerous mitochondria, had the ability to resorb bone in an in vitro bone slice assay, and specifically bound biotinylated vitronectin. At 5 d of culture, the cells demonstrated marginal multinuclearity, having two to three nuclei. A large number (approximately 1 x 10(6) cells/tibia) of viable cells that exhibit characteristics of authentic osteoclasts can be obtained by the method described. Potentially, this method could be applied to other species.

Role of microscopy in elucidating the mechanism and regulation of the osteoclast resorptive apparatus

Microscopic studies have assisted in revealing some of the components of the resorptive apparatus of osteoclasts, specifically carbonic anhydrase and the proton-translocating ATPase. Further, microscopy has helped substantiate the types of proteolytic enzymes secreted into the resorption lacuna. Regulatory agents affecting the resorptive process in vitro include parathyroid hormone, 17 beta-estradiol, calcitonin, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Studies showing the specific binding of parathyroid hormone, estradiol, and calcitonin to osteoclast plasma membrane are discussed. While specific binding suggests that direct effects may occur, further investigation is needed to substantiate this possibility.

Immunolocalization of basic fibroblastic growth factor in avian tibial dyschondroplastic cartilage

Recent research in our laboratory has demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a permissive mitogen for epiphyseal growth plate chondrocytes. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of bFGF in the proliferative and hypertrophic zones of normal epiphyseal growth plates of 4-wk-old broiler chickens. The purpose of this investigation was to extend this research to include examination of the status of bFGF in the cartilage lesion associated with tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). Immunocytochemistry revealed that the distribution of bFGF in the growth plate proximal to the TD lesion was similar to that observed with normal growth plate. However, the intensity of immunofluorescence was greatly diminished in the TD lesion. The number of chondrocytes staining positive for bFGF was also reduced. In the peripheral edges of the lesion where cartilage was being actively resorbed, the staining intensity was greatly increased when compared to the rest of the TD lesion. Similar patterns were observed in all TD tissues examined whether the lesions were spontaneous or induced by dietary treatments or genetic selection. It is hypothesized that the decrease in bFGF, a potent angiogenic factor, may be responsible for the poor vascularization of the TD lesion.

Characterization of calcium translocation across the plasma membrane of primary osteoblasts using a lipophilic calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye, calcium green C18

The synthesis of Calcium Green C18, a lipophilic fluorescent calcium-sensitive dye, and its use as a monitor of Ca2+ efflux from cells is described. This indicator consists of a Calcium Green-1 molecule conjugated to a lipophilic 18-carbon alkyl chain which will intercalate into cell membranes. The Kd of the indicator for Ca2+ in aqueous solution (pH 7.2, 22 degrees C, ionic strength 0.1 M) is 0.23 +/- 0.04 microM and in the presence of liposomes is 0.062 +/- 0.007 microM. Due to its high negativity, the calcium chelating fluorophore faces the cell exterior, when loaded under a defined set of conditions. The dye was found largely on the surface of the cells when loaded at a concentration of 5 microM for 10 min at 37 degrees C. Five minutes after introduction of EGTA, 83-95% fluorescence disappeared, indicating that most of the fluorophore was on the cell surface. Photobleaching was minimal (3-13%). A confocal laser scanning microscope was used to detect and quantify fluorescence. Internalized dye was apparent in cells loaded for longer times (30-60 min) and in membrane-impaired cells, as shown by uptake of propidium iodide. Under defined confocal laser scanning microscope settings, a transient fluorescence at the periphery of approximately 30% of the cells was observed following 10(-8) M parathyroid hormone treatment, indicating the presence of outwardly directed calcium transport across the plasma membrane. Calcium efflux usually lasted 7-10 min, peaking at around 2-3 min. Changes in cell shape were also observed. Calcium efflux was shown to be sensitive to (a) 10 microM quercetin and 10 microM vanadate, partially specific inhibitors of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase, to (b) 0.1 mM trifluoperazine, an agent which renders calmodulin ineffective, and to (c) 10 mM neomycin sulfate, which blocks release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Thapsigargin (5 microM), an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-ATPase of the endoplasmic reticulum, prolonged fluorescence. These observations indicate that cell surface fluorescence was due to the capture of Ca2+ by Calcium Green C18 after Ca2+ had been translocated across osteoblast plasma membranes. Involvement of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase, known to be present in osteoblasts in substantial amounts, is implicated.

Characterization of calcium efflux by osteoblasts derived from long bone periosteum

Inside-out vesicles were prepared from the plasma membrane of osteoblasts which had been isolated from the periosteum of 2-3-week-old chicken tibia and cultured for 6-8 days. Calcium uptake was initiated by adding 0.4 mM ATP and detected as a reduction in fluorescence from the reaction medium using the Ca(2+)-specific fluoroprobe, fluo-3. The reaction medium contained ouabain (1 mM) to block Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity and oligomycin (20 micrograms/ml) to block mitochondrial activity. Thapsigargin (5 microM) had little effect, indicating that contributions to Ca2+ uptake by endoplasmic reticulum derived microsomes were minimal. The Ca2+ uptake rate was 9.9 +/- 2.3 nmol/mg protein/min. Trifluoperazine (0.1 mM), which impairs the capacity of calmodulin to activate Ca(2+)-ATPase, substantially inhibited transport, as did quercetin (10 mM) and vanadate (10 microM), inhibitors of Ca(2+)-ATPases. This study has shown the presence of an outwardly directed, calmodulin-sensitive calcium transport system in the primary osteoblast plasma membrane. The pumping rate is substantially less than rates found in the intestine, a tissue which is involved in massive transport of Ca2+, but is similar to rates found in many other tissues. It is concluded that the enzyme does not support calcium translocation to sites of mineralization.

Isolation and localization of basic fibroblast growth factor-immunoreactive substance in the epiphyseal growth plate

Previous research in our laboratory has shown basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to be a permissive mitogen for isolated avian growth plate chondrocytes. The present study was conducted to determine whether bFGF is present in avian growth plate and, if present, to determine its localization within the tissue. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that bFGF is present in the resting proliferative and hypertrophic calcifying zones of the growth plate but is absent from the prehypertrophic zone. Basic FGF appears to be associated with the extracellular matrix of the proliferative zone, but it is predominantly intracellular in the hypertrophic and mineralizing zone chondrocytes. Partial purification of cartilage-derived bFGF was performed on crude extracts of cartilage using heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. The presence of bFGF in the heparin-Sepharose column fractions was confirmed by immunoblotting and radioimmunoassay. Furthermore, western blot analysis of the extracts showed multiple protein bands having bFGF immunoreactivity, in the molecular weight range 14.4-18 kD. The data support the hypothesis that bFGF has a dual role in the growth plate. In the proliferative zone it acts as a chondrocyte mitogen, whereas when released from terminal hypertrophic chondrocytes, bFGF may serve as a chemotactic signal for metaphyseal blood vessel proliferation.

Characteristics and culture of osteoblasts derived from avian long bone

A method is presented for isolating primary osteoblasts from the periosteal surface of chick tibia. The culture system identified supports both cell proliferation and phenotype retention. Cell numbers increased 8-fold in Week 1 and 20-fold over a total of 12 days. Well-established osteoblast markers, alkaline phosphatase staining, gamma-carboxyglutamic acid, osteocalcin, type I collagen, and parathyroid hormone binding were detected. Osteocalcin, gamma-carboxyglutamic acid, and type I collagen were present on culture Day 4, and were increased in amount by Day 8, but were similar to the earlier level on Day 12, suggesting that the phenotype may revert to a less differentiated state by 12 days in culture. Alkaline phosphatase staining was intense at all three assay times, however. During the last 4 days of the 12-day culture period, proliferation rates were higher than in the previous 8 days.

Surface binding and clearance of calcitonin by avian osteoclasts

Osteoclasts, isolated from chick tibias and maintained in culture for 4-6 days, were treated with biotinylated calcitonin followed by fluorescent avidin. In 2 min the entire cell surface fluoresced, by 7.5 min fluorescence was centrally clustered and by 10 min fluorescence had diminished to background levels. Specific binding was blocked by excess unlabeled calcitonin and not influenced by unrelated peptide. The results show that avian osteoclasts bind calcitonin specifically and that the bound calcitonin is rapidly cleared from the cell surface, which indicates involvement of receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Specific binding of estrogen to osteoclast surfaces

Specific plasma membrane binding sites for 17 beta-estradiol were shown to exist on avian osteoclasts by the use of a fluorescent conjugated estrogen, 17 beta-estradiol-6-carboxymethyloxime- bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate. Binding was dose and time dependent, as well as specific, since 17 beta-estradiol blocked the binding of the complex. Tamoxifen was also an effective blocking agent. Rapid responses to 17 beta-estradiol included decreased acid production (41.5%) and distinct cell shape changes.

Vitamin K deficiency does not functionally impair skeletal metabolism of laying hens and their progeny

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of vitamin K deficiency on indices of skeletal metabolism in laying hens, developing embryos and young growing chickens. Laying hens were fed a vitamin K-deficient diet for 28 wk, which resulted in impaired blood clotting and reduced bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) concentration compared with vitamin K-sufficient hens. However, this treatment did not influence egg production, eggshell deposition or other reproductive performance criteria. Vitamin K-deficient embryos were able to mobilize sufficient quantities of calcium for normal skeletal development, although they exhibited severe reduction in blood clotting and bone Gla concentration. Similar results were obtained from progeny of both vitamin K-sufficient and -deficient hens fed deficient diets for 4 wk after hatching. These results indicate that a severe reduction in skeletal protein Gla concentration does not interfere with normal development of this tissue.

Effect of estrogen on acidification in osteoclasts

Isolated chicken osteoclasts were neutralized with NH4Cl, then recovery of acid formation was monitored by measuring acridine orange fluorescence over a period of 4 hrs. Estradiol-17 beta and diethylstilbestrol (DES), in nanomolar amounts, blocked acidification 20% to 60%. Effects were detectable in 30 min and maximal by one hr. Estradiol-17 alpha was ineffective. This action of estradiol is believed to be mediated at the plasma membrane since the response was rapid and was not affected by cycloheximide inhibition of protein synthesis. Stimulation of acidification by PTH and cyclic AMP was blocked by estradiol. Estradiol was inhibitory to the same extent as calcitonin; these effects were not additive. Estradiol-17 beta and DES, in micromolar but not in nanomolar amounts, blocked proton pumping in isolated plasma membrane vesicles.

Evidence that estrogen binding sites are present in bone cells and mediate medullary bone formation in Japanese quail

Studies were carried out in Japanese quail to characterize the binding of estrogen to bone cells and to determine whether induction of medullary bone by estrogen is mediated by estrogen receptors. First, attempts were made to identify specific, high affinity nuclear binding sites for estrogen with a nuclear exchange assay in oviduct and femora from laying female quail and in liver, kidney, and femora from adult male quail treated with estradiol valerate (2 mg per bird). High-affinity nuclear estrogen binding sites were detected in each of the tissues except femora. Second, estrogen binding sites in femora from male quail were localized by radioautography after treatment with 100 microCi of [3H]-17 beta-estradiol ([3H]-E). Estrogen binding sites were present at 1 and 3 h after administration of [3H]-E, and binding of the radiolabeled hormone was prevented by the simultaneous administration of an excess of radioinert estrogen. Third, estradiol valerate (.4 mg) was given as a bolus to adult male Japanese quail. Five days later, the quail had hypercalcemia due to accumulation of phosvitin in serum, had an extensive network of medullary bone at the femur midshaft, and had reduced cortical bone area. The nonsteroidal, anti-estrogen tamoxifen (2 mg/day) prevented estrogen-induced hypercalcemia, medullary bone formation, and reduction of cortical bone area. Fourth, the estrogen target cells in femora from adult male quail that were induced to differentiate to osteoblasts by estrogen treatment were located by [3H]-proline radioautography as early as 12 h following administration of the hormone. These results are interpreted as evidence that induction of medullary bone is a process mediated by estrogen receptor.

Demonstration of calmodulin-sensitive calcium translocation by isolated osteoclast plasma membrane vesicles

Plasma membrane vesicles were prepared from chicken osteoclasts, and active calcium transport was demonstrated in a spectrofluorimetric assay using the fluorescent calcium concentration indicator, fura-2. Transport activity was inhibited by quercetin (10 microM), sodium vanadate (10 microM), and the anticalmodulin agents, compound 48/80 (20 and 200 micrograms/ml) and calmidazolium (10 and 20 microM). The transport rate (Vmax, 1.3 nmol/mg protein/min) was not altered in the presence of the protonophore, nigericin (1 microM), indicating that proton transport was not driving calcium transport. Release of accumulated calcium in the vesicles occurred with the addition of bromo-A23187 (5 microM) or ionomycin (5 microM). Increasing calcium transport occurred with increasing calcium concentration. Finally, the calmodulin content of the vesicles was demonstrated to be 54-134 U/mg protein. These results demonstrate that a calmodulin-sensitive, ATP-dependent calcium transporter is present in the osteoclast plasma membrane.

Specific binding of parathyroid hormone to living osteoclasts

We show that osteoclasts bind parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a manner that displays the properties of receptor-dependent hormone binding, that is, saturability, time dependence, temperature dependence, and hormone specificity. Osteoclasts were isolated from the endosteum of 2 to 3 week chick tibiae and maintained in culture for 4-6 days. Bovine PTH-(1-84) was biotinylated with N-hydroxysuccinimidobiotin. Biotinyl-PTH (btPTH, 10(-5)-10(-11) M) was added to the cultured osteoclasts for 2-20 minutes. After rinsing away unbound btPTH, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled avidin (FITC-avidin) at a concentration of 66 micrograms/ml was applied. Receptor binding characteristics were assessed: (1) saturation occurred at around 10(-6) M btPTH; (2) competition of excess unlabeled PTH was found, namely, a 10-fold excess abolished fluorescence; (3) specificity was shown by adding other polypeptide hormones (insulin, glucagon, and calcitonin) in 10- to 100-fold excess--no effect on PTH binding was observed; and (4) affinity of btPTH for its binding site was indicated by half-maximal binding approximately equal to 10(-7) M for both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Biotin (10(-5) M) or FITC-avidin (66 micrograms/ml) alone did not cause fluorescence. The time course of btPTH on the cell exterior was short: at 2 and 5 minutes dots of fluorescence were randomly dispersed over the cell surface, by 10 minutes most of the fluorescence was clustered in one region of the membrane, and by 20 minutes most of the hormone was no longer present on the surface of the cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of the functional stages of osteoclasts by enzyme histochemistry and electron microscopy

To investigate the functional stages of osteoclasts, the ultrastructural histochemical distribution of the lysosomal enzymes [acid phosphatase (tartrate-sensitive) and neutral phosphatase], the plasma membrane enzymes [alkaline phosphatase, Ca(++)-ATPase, and alkaline ouabain-insensitive p-nitrophenylphosphatase (alkaline p-NPPase)], and the mitochondrial enzyme (cytochrome C oxidase) was evaluated in the chicken tibial metaphysis. Both active-appearing and detached (resting) osteoclasts were studied. Serial sectioning was used to identify detached osteoclasts which were present in the perivascular space. The ultrastructure of detached osteoclasts was similar to that of active osteoclasts, except for the lack of a ruffled border and clear zone, and an altered distribution pattern of small vesicles. Small vesicles were uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm of resting osteoclasts, whereas they were concentrated beneath the ruffled border of active osteoclasts. Alkaline p-NPPase, a marker enzyme for the basal ruffled border, was also apparent on the membrane of small vesicles. However, the vesicles did not possess Ca(++)-ATPase, a marker enzyme for the apical plasma membrane. These findings support the concept that small vesicles serve as a membrane reservoir for the ruffled border membrane. Pre-osteoclasts contained abundant mitochondria and lysosomes, prominent Golgi complexes, moderately developed endoplasmic reticulum, and lacked small vesicles. Pre-osteoclasts appear to fuse with osteoclasts which are attached to the bone surface, but not with detached osteoclasts. The small vesicles, from which the ruffled border arises, are absent from pre-osteoclasts, suggesting that they develop after fusion with pre-existing osteoclasts or after attachment to the bone surface. Alkaline p-NPPase appears to be a marker for differentiation of pre-osteoclasts to mature osteoclasts.

Ultrastructural localization of adenylate cyclase activity in chicken osteoclasts

Using lead citrate as a capture reagent and adenylate-(beta, gamma-methylene) diphosphate (AMP-PCP) as a substrate, we localized adenylate cyclase activity on the non-ruffled border plasma membrane of approximately half of the osteoclasts on trabecular bone surfaces in the tibial metaphyses of chickens fed a low (0.3%)-calcium diet. The enzyme was not detectable in osteoclasts when chickens were fed a normal calcium diet. Activity was observed on the entire plasma membrane of detached osteoclasts that were situated between osteoblasts on the bone surface and blood vessels in the marrow cavity. Detection of activity on detached osteoclasts required the presence of an activator, implying lower levels in these cells than in those with ruffled borders. Staining was greater on the lateral sides of osteoblasts and osteoclasts when they were in contact with each other. Reaction specificity was indicated by the demonstration of stimulation by forskolin, guanylate-(beta, gamma-methylene) diphosphate (GMP-PCP), dimethylsulfoxide, and NaF, inhibition by alloxan and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine, and absence of activity when sections were incubated in substrate-free medium or when GMP-PCP replaced AMP-PCP as a substrate. The finding of adenylate cyclase in osteoclast plasma membrane provides structural evidence that the adenylate cyclase-cyclic AMP system has a role in regulation of osteoclast cell function. The low-calcium diet appears to have resulted in increased amounts of adenylate cyclase in osteoclasts.

Ultrastructural localization of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (purple acid phosphatase) activity in chicken cartilage and bone

Tartrate-resistant acid adenosine triphosphatase activity at pH 6.5, using a lead-salt method, was localized at light and electron microscopic levels in cartilage and bone matrices, osteoclasts, and chondroclasts. Cartilage matrix staining occurred after vascular invasion of the growth plate. In osteoclasts, activity was present in lysosomes, extracellular ruffled border channels, and the underlying cartilage and bone matrices. Staining artifacts occurred at lower pH levels (pH 5.4, 5.0). Adenosine diphosphate, p-nitrophenylphosphate, thiamine pyrophosphate, and alpha-naphthylphosphate also acted as substrates; but no activity was observed when adenosine monophosphate, adenylate-(beta, gamma-methylene) diphosphate, and beta-glycerophosphate were used. The activity was inhibited by NaF, dithionite, and a high concentration of p-chloromercuribenzoic acid, and activated by simultaneous addition of FeCl2 and ascorbic acid, as has been shown in biochemical studies. These histochemical results support the view that the adenosine triphosphate hydrolyzing activity at pH 6.5 is due to tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). There were some differences in ultrastructural localization between TRAP and tartrate-sensitive acid phosphatase (TSAP) activities in osteoclasts: TSAP activity was more intense in lysosomes and Golgi complexes and TRAP was stronger in the cartilage and bone matrices. It is suggested, therefore, that most of TRAP is in an inactive form in cells and is activated when secreted.

Ultrastructural localization of guanylate cyclase in bone cells

Guanylyl imidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP) hydrolyzing enzyme activity as a means of detecting plasma membrane guanylate cyclase was demonstrated in osteoblasts of chicken tibial metaphysis using a lead citrate histochemical method at the electron microscopic level. Activity was not discerned in osteoclasts or osteocytes. The reaction product development was completely abolished when the sections were incubated with substrate-free or MnCl2-free medium. Guanylate-(beta, gamma-methylene) diphosphate (GMP-PCP) was a less effective substrate than GMP-PNP, and Mn++ was a stronger stimulator than Mg++. No reaction product was observed on the plasma membrane of osteoblasts when beta-glycerophosphate or p-nitrophenylphosphate was used as substrate instead of GMP-PNP. The results implicate guanylate cyclase as a significant effector of osteoblast regulation at the site of the plasma membrane.

In vitro resorptive activity of isolated chick osteoclasts: effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition

A potent inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, 5-[3-hydroxybenzoyl]thiophene-2-sulfonamide (HTS), was shown to cause a 37% reduction in the area of resorption pits formed by isolated chick osteoclasts when used at a dose of 10(-7) M. HTS at doses of 10(-9) and 10(-7) M was also effective in reducing acid formation by the osteoclasts (14 and 36%, respectively). Additionally, the effect of HTS was found to be readily reversed by removing the agent, showing that it does not exert a toxic effect on the cells. This study indicates that the inhibitory effect of HTS on bone resorption is at the level of the acid-forming mechanism in osteoclasts and supports the view that carbonic anhydrase has a central role in the process.

Effects of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP on osteoclast area in cultured chick tibia

Slices of osteoclast-enriched endosteal surfaces of 3 week chick tibia were cultured for 1-3 days. Osteoclasts on the bone surface were made visible by acridine orange fluorescence. Osteoclast area was measured by image analysis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) caused osteoclasts to increase in area about 40%, and calcitonin (CT) caused a decrease in area also of about 40%. Subsequent addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP to PTH- or to CT-treated cells resulted in a further change of 40 and 30%, respectively. Application of the cyclic AMP analog alone had no effect. All responses were rapid, occurring in 2-4 minutes.

Biochemical characterization of an electrogenic vacuolar proton pump in purified chicken osteoclast plasma membrane vesicles

A well-characterized chicken osteoclast plasma membrane vesicle preparation manifested Mg2(+)-dependent ATP hydrolyzing activity of 0.213 mumol inorganic phosphate released per mg protein per minute (n = 7). The Mg2+ dependence showed a high-affinity component with a KMg of 1.293 microM and Vmax of 0.063 mumol Pi per mg protein per minute, and a low-affinity component with a KMg of 297.6 microM and a Vmax of 0.232 mumol Pi per mg protein per minute. The Mg2(+)-ATPase activity was inhibited by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD, 0.2 mM, 50.7%), N-ethylmaleimide (0.5 mM, 34.6%), nolinium bromide (1 mM, 29.9%), 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene sulfonic acid (DIDS, 1 mM, 45.1%), and p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB, 0.1 mM, 33.8%). Sodium orthovanadate (Na3 VO4) at 1 microM had no effect but caused 29.5% inhibition at 1 mM. Na+ could substitute for K+ without loss of activity, NO3- caused 19.5% inhibition when substituted for Cl-, and acetate replacement of Cl- resulted in 36.4% stimulation of Mg2(+)-ATPase. ATP, GTP, ITP, CTP, and ADP were all hydrolyzed effectively. DCCD (0.2 mM), NEM (0.5 mM), nolinium bromide (1 mM), and DIDS (50 microM) almost completely abolished proton transport as measured spectrofluorometrically by acridine orange quenching. Na3 VO4 (1 mM) had no effect, and duramycin (80 micrograms/ml) inhibited transport 52.7%. K+ replacement of Na+ caused a 79.2% increase in initial proton transport rate. NO3- and acetate substitution of Cl- resulted in a 46.1 and 55.7% decrease in transport, respectively. ATP supports transport far more effectively than the other nucleotides tested. ADP was ineffective. Experiments using the potassium ionophore, valinomycin, indicated that the proton pump functions electrogenically, with Cl- most likely cotransported by an anion transporter. The proton pump also seems to have at least one anion-sensitive site, elucidated by experiments in the presence of NO3- and Cl-.

Characterization of a Ca2(+)-ATPase in osteoclast plasma membrane

The plasma membrane fraction of chicken osteoclasts was purified utilizing 20% continuous Percoll gradients. Biochemical marker enzyme analysis (ouabain-sensitive Na+,K(+)-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase) indicated that plasma membrane enrichment was 11.87-fold and 7.25-fold, respectively, and contamination with mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes was low as determined by succinic dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities, respectively. SDS latency of Na+,K(+)-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase activities of the isolated plasma membranes revealed that 43-50% of vesicles were sealed, with 10-16% in the inside-out orientation, depending on the membrane fraction used. Electron microscopy confirmed the vesicular nature of the plasma membrane fraction. The plasma membrane Ca2(+)-ATPase had a high-affinity (KCa = 0.22 microM; Vmax = 0.16 mumol/mg per min) and a low-affinity (KCa = 148 microM; Vmax = 0.37 mumol/mg per min) component. Calmodulin (0.12 microM) had no effect on Ca2(+)-ATPase activity. However, trifluoperazine (0.1 mM), a calmodulin antagonist, strongly inhibited especially the high-affinity component of the enzyme. Vanadate and lanthanum also caused inhibition. In the presence of CDTA, a potent Ca2+ and Mg2+ chelating agent, high-affinity Ca2(+)-ATPase activity was abolished, indicating that trace Mg2+ was essential for activity. The Ca2(+)-ATPase substrate curve using ATP showed a high-affinity (Km = 12.3 microM; Vmax = 0.022 mumol/mg per min) and a low-affinity (Km = 43.8 microM; Vmax = 0.278 mumol/mg per min) component. These results demonstrate that osteoclasts have a plasma membrane Ca2(+)-ATPase with characteristics similar to the enzyme responsible for active calcium extrusion in other cells.

Fluid shear stress as a mediator of osteoblast cyclic adenosine monophosphate production

Effects of interstitial fluid flow on osteoblasts were investigated. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were monitored in cultured osteoblasts subjected to shear rates ranging from 10 to 3,500 sec-1. Cyclic AMP levels were significantly increased at all shear rates from 1 pmole/mg protein to 10-16 pmole/mg protein. Osteoblasts subjected to a shear rate of 430 sec-1 for 0.5-15 minutes exhibited elevated levels (12-fold) of intracellular cAMP, which were sustained throughout the perfusion period. Osteoblasts were three times more sensitive to flow stimulation than human umbilical vein endothelial cells and baby hamster kidney fibroblasts, which also displayed higher cAMP levels (4-fold) after exposure to flow. To distinguish streaming potential effects from shear stress effects, viscosity was increased 5-fold by addition of neutral dextran to the perfusing medium. Shear stress is a function of viscosity, and streaming potentials are not for a given shear rate. The mechanism of this cellular response to flow was shown to be shear stress dependent. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase by 20 microM ibuprofen completely inhibited the flow-dependent cAMP response, indicating the cAMP response is mediated by prostaglandins. Our results suggest that fluid flow induced by mechanical stress may be an important mediator of bone remodeling.

Ultrastructural localization of adenylate cyclase in chicken bone cells

We investigated adenylate cyclase distribution in 6-day-and 3-week-old calvariae and in 6-day-old long bone metaphyses from chickens. Reaction product distribution was on the plasma membrane of osteoblasts, pre-osteoblasts, and forming osteocytes which contacted one another. Osteoclasts and mature osteocytes lacked reaction product. Six-day calvariae reacted less intensely than the other two tissues. In controls, reaction product was markedly diminished or eliminated by removal of forskolin or substrates, or by addition of the inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine. The results indicate the importance of cyclic AMP in osteoblast regulation. Osteocytes and osteoclasts may involve alternate mechanisms as major regulatory systems.