The osteoclasts of hen medullary bone under hypocalcaemic conditions

Macrophages and Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling in the adult skeleton facilitates the removal and replacement of damaged and old bone to maintain bone quality. Tight coordination of bone resorption and bone formation during remodeling crucially maintains skeletal mass. Increasing evidence suggests that many cell types beyond osteoclasts and osteoblasts support bone remodeling, including macrophages and other myeloid lineage cells. Herein, we discuss the origin and functions for macrophages in the bone microenvironment, tissue resident macrophages, osteomacs, as well as newly identified osteomorphs that result from osteoclast fission. We also touch on the role of macrophages during inflammatory bone resorption. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Isolation and Generation of Osteoclasts

This chapter describes the isolation, culture, and staining of osteoclasts. The key advantages of this assay are that it allows direct measurement of osteoclast number, bone resorption, as well as yielding good quantities of osteoclasts at defined stages of formation for molecular analysis. An additional focus of this chapter will be the generation of osteoclasts from less conventional animal species and cell lines.

Osteoclast fusion and fission

Osteoclasts are specialized multinucleated cells with the unique capacity to resorb bone. Despite insight into the various steps of the interaction of osteoclast precursors leading to osteoclast formation, surprisingly little is known about what happens with the multinucleated cell itself after it has been formed. Is fusion limited to the short period of its formation, or do osteoclasts have the capacity to change their size and number of nuclei at a later stage? To visualize these processes we analyzed osteoclasts generated in vitro with M-CSF and RANKL from mouse bone marrow and native osteoclasts isolated from rabbit bones by live cell microscopy. We show that osteoclasts fuse not only with mononuclear cells but also with other multinucleated cells. The most intriguing finding was fission of the osteoclasts. Osteoclasts were shown to have the capacity to generate functional multinucleated compartments as well as compartments that contained apoptotic nuclei. These compartments were separated from each other, each giving rise to a novel functional osteoclast or to a compartment that contained apoptotic nuclei. Our findings suggest that osteoclasts have the capacity to regulate their own population in number and function, probably to adapt quickly to changing situations.

Effects of high zinc diets using zinc propionate on molt induction, organs, and postmolt egg production and quality in laying hens

This study was conducted to determine the ability of an alternative salt form of 1% Zn, Zn propionate, to induce molt in 66-wk-old hens. The hens were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups of 27 or 28 birds each: a) molted conventionally by feed withdrawal, b) 1% Zn as Zn acetate, c) 1% Zn as Zn propionate, or d) nonmolted control for 9 d. Feed intake was (P < 0.05) depressed in Zn acetate and Zn propionate hens when compared with nonmolted control hens during the 9 d. Ovary weights of hens undergoing feed withdrawal, Zn acetate, or Zn propionate were not (P > 0.05) different from each other, but all were (P < 0.05) lighter than the ovary weights of nonmolted control hens. Zinc concentrations in the kidney and liver were (P < 0.05) increased in Zn acetate and Zn propionate molted hens when compared with nonmolted hens on the control diet or hens molted by feed withdrawal. Bone ash values were (P < 0.05) increased for Zn acetate and Zn propionate molted hens or nonmolted control hens as compared with molted hens on feed withdrawal. Over the entire 3-mo postmolt period, there were no significant differences in interior egg qualities, but egg weights from hens fed Zn propionate were (P < 0.05) heavier than those from hens on feed withdrawal. The data of the current study demonstrated that feeding a Zn propionate (1% zinc)-supplemented diet can induce molt.

Effect of storage condition on bone breaking strength and bone ash in laying hens at different stages in production cycles

This study was conducted to determine the effects of refrigeration and frozen storage on tibia breaking strength (kg/g) and tibia ash (%) in bones obtained from hens of different ages. A total of 75 Single Comb White Leghorn hens were divided into three equal groups according to age (72, 80, and 92 wk of age). Both tibias of each hen were harvested and immediately defleshed. The tibias from each hen were randomly assigned to either 1 d of refrigeration or 7 d of frozen storage. Tibia breaking strengths were determined using an Instron Universal Testing Machine with 50-kg-load cell at 50-kg-load range with a crosshead speed of 50 mm/min. Tibia ash weights were determined by ashing for 24 h at 615 degrees C. Bone breaking strength in 72 wk of age hens was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in refrigerated tibias (2.48 kg/g) than those in frozen storage (1.75 kg/g). However, there was no difference (P > 0.05) for bone ash (percentage of tibia ash) in all three groups between refrigerated storage (72 wk: 38.840%, 80 wk: 46.40%, 92 wk: 46.99%) and frozen storage (72 wk: 39.12%, 80 wk: 44.88%, 92 wk: 45.35%). This study indicated that frozen storage only influenced assessment of bone strength in 72-wk-old laying hens but could be used for sample storage of bones from older hens.

Microscopic and histochemical study of odontoclasts in physiologic resorption of teeth of the polyphyodont lizard, Liolaemus gravenhorsti

Using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), we examined the cytodifferentiation of odontoclast cells in resorbing areas of dental tissues during the replacement of teeth in a polyphyodont lizard, Liolaemus gravenhorsti. We also report, by means of Lectin-HRP histochemistry, the distribution pattern of some specific sugar residues of TRAPase-positive cells. For detection of TRAPase activity, the azo dye-coupling technique was used. Lectin binding sites were demonstrated by means of specific HRP-lectins. The process of tooth resorption was divided into four stages: 1) preresorption-the wall of the dental pulp is covered with an odontoblast layer, and no TRAP-positive cells are in the dental pulp; 2) early resorption-TRAP-positive multinucleate odontoclasts are present on the dental wall, but the rest of the pulp surface is still covered with an odontoblast layer; 3) later resorption-the entire surface of the pulp chamber is lined with multinucleate odontoclasts; and 4) final resorption-the tooth has been totally resorbed. Odontoclasts are usually detached from the resorbed surface, and show signs of degeneration. Of the six lectins used, PNA, ECA, and UEA-1 bind to multinucleated but not mononuclear cells. All the remaining lectins, BS-1, RCA(120), and LTA showed no binding to any cells of the teeth. The significance of saccharidic moieties such as acetyl-galactosamine, acetyl-glucosamine, and fucose sugar residues is difficult to ascertain. Perhaps these oligosaccharides might be borne on molecules associated with odontoclastic resorption or associated with multinucleation of odontoclasts after attachment to the dentine surface.

Colony stimulating factor-1-induced osteoclast spreading depends on substrate and requires the vitronectin receptor and the c-src proto-oncogene

The colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) regulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Mutations in the CSF-1 gene cause an osteopetrosis characterized by the absence of osteoclasts. Mature osteoclasts respond to CSF-1 with inhibition of bone resorption and an increment of cell spreading. Herein we demonstrate that CSF-1-induced osteoclast spreading depends on the substrate the osteoclast interacts with and requires integrity of the vitronectin receptor and of the c-src proto-oncogene. Rabbit osteoclasts were allowed to attach to glass, serum, osteopontin, and bone substrates, and were treated with 10 ng/ml human recombinant CSF-1 for 4 h. In osteoclasts plated on glass, the cytokine induced 70% inhibition of bone resorption and 1.8-fold stimulation of cell spreading, without changes in podosome expression and microfilament array. In contrast, CSF-1 induced a 2.5-fold increase of osteoclasts showing filopodia, and a 9.5-fold increase of osteoclasts presenting lamellipodia, indicating that membrane motility was required for cell spreading. Osteoclasts plated on serum substrates showed a 50% reduction of spontaneous spreading. However, in this circumstance, CSF-1 still stimulated an increase of osteoclast area. In osteoclasts cultured on osteopontin substrate or on bone slices, an inhibition of CSF-1-induced osteoclast spreading was observed. To establish involvement of the vitronectin receptor and c-src proto-oncogene, cells were treated with the alpha vbeta3 integrin neutralizing antibody, LM609, or c-src antisense oligonucleotides, which reduced CSF-1-induced osteoclast spreading by 57% and 60%, respectively. The results demonstrate that CSF-1-induced osteoclast spreading requires both the vitronectin receptor and the c-src proto-oncogene and that this action is modulated by the adhesion substrata.

Cytodifferentiation of the odontoclast prior to the shedding of human deciduous teeth: an ultrastructural and cytochemical study

BACKGROUND

In human deciduous teeth, odontoclastic resorption takes place at the pulpal surface of the coronal dentine prior to shedding, and this resorption shows clear time-related histological changes (Sahara et al., 1992).

METHODS

Using this phenomenon as an observation system, we examined the cytodifferentiation of human odontoclasts by light and electron microscopy. For a histochemical marker of odontoclast differentiation and function, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity was determined by light and electron microscopic enzyme histochemistry.

RESULTS

As root resorption neared completion, TRAP-positive mononuclear cells were initially detected in the pulp chamber. They had abundant mitochondria, small lysosomes, and moderately developed rough endoplasmic reticulum throughout their cytoplasm. In these mononuclear cells, TRAP activity was localized in compartments of the biosynthetic pathway, i.e., in cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi lamellae, as well as small lysosomes. The TRAP-positive mononuclear cells first made contact with the predentine surface by their elongated cellular processes. After attachment, they spread out along the predentine surface and developed specialized membrane structures, clear zones, and ruffled borders. Next, they fused with each other on the predentine surface and formed typical multinucleate odontoclasts. After termination of their resorption function, the odontoclasts lost their ruffled borders and became detached from the resorbed surface. Most of the detached odontoclasts had numerous large pale vacuoles and secondary lysosomes and appeared to be in the process of degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that: (1) odontoclasts differentiated from TRAP-positive mononuclear cells, which presumably originate from circulating progenitor cells, (2) membrane specialization of odontoclasts, i.e., development of a clear zone and ruffled border, is induced following their contact with the resorption surface, (3) multinucleation of odontoclasts takes place only after their attachment to the resorption surface, (4) mature multinucleate odontoclasts can resorb predentine as well as dentine in the same way as osteoclasts resorb bone, and (5) at the end of the resorption, odontoclasts gradually lose their ruffled borders and become detached from the resorbed surface.

The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts on neonatal mouse parietal bones is decreased when prostaglandin synthesis is inhibited and increased in response to prostaglandin E2, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3

The culture of parietal bones from 4-day old mice in indomethacin (Ind) for 1 day caused a large reduction in the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive osteoclasts (TRAP + OC) relative to both control bones and to freshly isolated bones. This reduction did not occur if prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was present. When 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BDU) was injected into 4-day old mice, newly formed TRAP + OC nuclei became labeled 1 day later; these bones were then cultured with Ind for 1 day. TRAP + OC and newly labeled TRAP+OC nuclei were commensurately decreased in number. This suggests an active down-regulation rather than merely the inhibition of new TRAP+OC formation. Incubation of bones with Ind and either PGE2, parathyroid hormone, or 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 for 6 hours following a 1-day preincubation in Ind, resulted in an increase in TRAP + OC compared with Ind alone. Using BDU labeling in vitro and in vivo, we show that this increase in number of TRAP+OC is not the result of cell proliferation, but rather differentiation of postmitotic precursors.

The long-term effect of a calcium diet on the bone tissue, C-cells and parathyroid glands of the rat

In this experiment of 11 month-duration, 18 female Wistar rats received controlled amounts of calcium with food and water, to produce a state of either hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia. After a long-term low calcium diet hypocalcemia disappeared. This group of animals showed insignificant increases in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio of the parathyroid cells as well as in the total volume of the parathyroid glands, and a significant increase in the volume density of the osteoid. In the group receiving a high calcium diet, hypercalcemia was still present after 11 month. The insignificantly smaller and more numerous C-cells produced more calcitonin than normally. The parathyroid cells were significantly smaller and the numerical areal density of the osteoclasts was significantly lower than in the control group. It can be concluded that the parathyroid glands and C-cells are involved in the maintenance of blood calcium homeostasis during a long-term experiment on rats receiving low or high calcium diet.

Histomorphometric bone properties of sexually immature and mature White Leghorn hens with evaluation of fluorochrome injection on egg production traits

White Leghorn hens were injected i.p. with fluorochromes beginning at 18, 37, and 43 wk of age. Sections of the right femur were collected in ethanol and formalin approximately 2 wk later. Dynamic and static bone variables were determined in both age groups, and the effects of fluorochrome injection on egg production was assessed in the older hens. Fluorochrome bone labeling was nontoxic. Injection of fluorochrome did not affect BW or feed consumption in either age group or egg production traits in laying hens. Fluorochrome labeling was found in the femoral cortex of sexually immature hens. The mineral apposition rate of the periosteal surface was 3.08 micrometers/day and of the osteonal surface was 2.69 micrometers/day. No uptake of fluorochrome label was observed on the periosteal or osteonal surfaces of cortical bone of laying hens. Sexually mature hens had decreased femoral cortical widths, less percentage cortical bone, and more cortical endosteal surface than sexually immature hens. The diffuse labeling of the medullary bone of laying hens indicated active medullary bone mineralization. The central area of the femur cross-section inside of the cortex was examined. Sexually mature hens had less bone area, more bone perimeter, and more bone perimeter covered by osteoclasts in the lamellar cancellous and medullary bone compared with sexually immature hens. Results indicated that the development of osteopenia in hens with the onset and progression of lay may be related to increased resorptive surface of bone and loss of structural and nonstructural bone.

Effects of antiestrogenic compounds on avian medullary bone formation

Administration of estradiol to male Japanese quail induced the formation of medullary bone in the marrow cavities of the bird's femora and tibiae. This was accompanied by increased serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase activity. We examined the effects of two structurally distinct "antiestrogens" on the estrogen-induced formation of medullary bone in this quail model. Trioxifene (LY133314) and tamoxifen are members of a group of compounds commonly referred to as antiestrogens that elicit mixed agonist-antagonist actions on estrogen target tissues. In our experiments, these compounds did not display estrogen agonist properties with respect to medullary bone formation. They also did not elicit changes in serum calcium, phosphorus, or alkaline phosphatase activity. When given concurrently with estradiol, the compounds inhibited both the estrogen-induced formation of medullary bone and the associated changes in serum parameters. Trioxifene appears to be somewhat more potent than tamoxifen in antagonizing estrogen effects in this model.

Clear zone in osteoclast function: role of podosomes in regulation of bone-resorbing activity

The adhesion of osteoclasts to the bone matrix is mandatory for bone resorption. Contact of the osteoclast with bone surface induces, in fact, cell polarization and organization of the resorbing apparatus, the so-called "ruffled border." Cell-matrix interaction in osteoclasts is a complex phenomenon resulting from formation of the "clear zone," a cytoplasmic area presenting the adhering plasma membrane, or "sealing membrane." The sealing membrane surrounds the ruffled border and seals the resorbing compartment, namely the extracellular space in which bone resorption takes place. Adhesion at this level occurs via specialized discrete structures, the "podosomes." Podosomes present most of the protein commonly found in focal adhesions, but with a peculiar organization. They are dynamic elements suitable for regulation, according with the functional demand of the cell. Their assembly increases during bone resorption and is regulated by the cytosolic free calcium concentration and the activity of protein kinase C.

Oxygen-derived free radicals stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption in rodent bone in vitro and in vivo

The mechanisms by which bone resorbing osteoclasts form and are activated by hormones are poorly understood. We show here that the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals in cultured bone is associated with the formation of new osteoclasts and enhanced bone resorption, identical to the effects seen when bones are treated with hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and interleukin 1 (IL-1). When free oxygen radicals were generated adjacent to bone surfaces in vivo, osteoclasts were also formed. PTH and IL-1-stimulated bone resorption was inhibited by both natural and recombinant superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that depletes tissues of superoxide anions. We used the marker nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) to identify the cells that were responsible for free radical production in resorbing bones. NBT staining was detected only in osteoclasts in cultures of resorbing bones. NBT staining in osteoclasts was decreased in bones coincubated with calcitonin, an inhibitor of bone resorption. We also found that isolated avian osteoclasts stained positively for NBT. NBT staining in isolated osteoclasts was increased when the cells were incubated with bone particles, to which they attach. We confirmed the formation of superoxide anion in isolated avian osteoclasts using ferricytochrome c reduction as a method of detection. The reduction of ferricytochrome c in isolated osteoclasts was inhibited by superoxide dismutase. Our results suggest that oxygen-derived free radicals, and particularly the superoxide anion, are intermediaries in the formation and activation of osteoclasts.

The distribution of podosomes in osteoclasts cultured on bone laminae: effect of retinol

Osteoclasts, isolated and purified from the medullary bone of calcium-deficient egg-laying hens, adhere to glass coverslips in vitro by means of specialized protrusions of the ventral membrane, denoted podosomes. These structures represent dotlike close-contact adhesion sites in which most cytoskeletal proteins involved in linking the plasma membrane to microfilaments are organized according to a specific and previously described pattern also shared by many oncogene-transformed cells. We show now that podosomes are not only a feature of osteoclasts adhering to artificial glass surfaces but are also present in the ventral membrane of osteoclasts adhering to bone laminae. Moreover, the quantity and the topography of podosomes may be modulated by retinol, which increases bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts both in vivo and in vitro. A comparative transmission electron microscopy study of osteoclasts adhering on bone laminae in vitro or in vivo indicates that podosomes with identical features are present in the clear zone of the osteoclasts in either condition. Since podosomes are the sealing structures of the clear zone, podosome formation may represent one of the modifications involved in the reorganization process of the osteoclast that precedes bone resorption.

Effect of vitamin A on bone resorption: evidence for direct stimulation of isolated chicken osteoclasts by retinol and retinoic acid

The effects of retinol (vitamin A) and retinoic acid on primary cultures of isolated chicken osteoclasts have been studied. The experiments were performed to establish the direct actions of these two agents on the organization of cytoskeletal structures, on the acid phosphatase contents, and on the bone resorption activities of these cells. The results showed that by treating the cultures with retinol or retinoic acid, from 10(-8) to 10(-5) M, there were dose-related responses of the osteoclasts. Adhesion to the substratum was stimulated by increasing the number of cells exhibiting the specialized dot-like adhesion structures, or podosomes, which represent the active part of the sealing zone. The treatments also induced rearrangement of the microtubular patterns with reversible depolymerization of microtubules. Acid phosphatase activity was significantly higher both in vitamin A-treated osteoclasts and in their media. When [3H]proline-labeled bone particles were added to the retinoid-treated osteoclasts, the release of [3H]proline was increased significantly compared to controls. These results suggest that the two vitamin A metabolites cause several modifications of the metabolic status of isolated osteoclasts that result in augmented rates of bone resorption.

Cell-mediated extracellular acidification and bone resorption: evidence for a low pH in resorbing lacunae and localization of a 100-kD lysosomal membrane protein at the osteoclast ruffled border

The extracellular compartment where bone resorption occurs, between the osteoclast and bone matrix, is shown in this report to be actively acidified. The weak base acridine orange accumulates within this compartment but dissipates after incubation with ammonium chloride. Upon removal of ammonium chloride, the cells are able to rapidly reacidify this compartment. The highly convoluted plasma membrane of the osteoclast facing this acidic compartment (ruffled border) is shown to contain a 100-kD integral membrane protein otherwise present in limiting membranes of lysosomes and other related acidified organelles (Reggio, H., D. Bainton, E. Harms, E. Coudrier, and D. Louvard, 1984, J. Cell Biol., 99:1511-1526; Tougard, C., D. Louvard, R. Picart, and A. Tixier-Vidal, 1985, J. Cell Biol. 100:786-793). Antibodies recognizing this 100-kD lysosomal membrane protein cross-react with a proton-pump ATPase from pig gastric mucosae (Reggio, H., D. Bainton, E. Harms, E. Coudrier, and D. Louvard, 1984, J. Cell Biol., 99:1511-1526), therefore raising the possibility that it plays a role in the acidification of both intracellular organelles and extracellular compartments. Lysosomal enzymes are also directionally secreted by the osteoclast into the acidified extracellular compartment which can therefore be considered as the functional equivalent of a secondary lysosome with a low pH, acid hydrolases, the substrate, and a limiting membrane containing the 100-kD antigen.

Identification of osteoclast-specific monoclonal antibodies

Studies on the origin, identification, and characterization of osteoclasts have been difficult. This is in part due to a lack of definitive osteoclast markers and the similarity of these cells in form and function to cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system. To solve this problem, we inoculated isolated chick osteoclasts into mice to generate osteoclast-specific monoclonal antibodies. Supernatants from growth-positive hybridomas were screened by indirect immunofluorescent methods against cultured osteoclasts, monocyte-derived multinucleated giant cells, cultured monocytes, fibroblasts, and limb mesenchyme. Select hybridomas were cloned to produce 375 clones, which were analyzed as described above. Antibody from select clones was also reacted with paraffin sections of bone. In addition, two clones have been analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Antibody binding from an osteoclast-specific clone and a clone reactive with osteoclasts, giant cells, and cultured monocytes (as determined by immunohistochemical assay) was confirmed by antibody-binding and titration curves quantitated by ELISA. The above studies demonstrate that osteoclast specific antigens exist, and that osteoclasts, giant cells, and cultured monocytes share common determinants not found on other cells screened.

Resorption of vital or devitalized bone by isolated osteoclasts in vitro. The role of lining cells

The maintainance of resorptive capability towards vital or devitalized bone in osteoclasts isolated from the medullary bone of laying hens and cultured for five days in vitro has been investigated morphologically with the aid of light and transmission electron microscopy. Devitalized bone particles ranging in size from 50 to 100 microns, added to cultures of osteoclasts, were rapidly surrounded by the osteoclasts which, in transmission electron microscopy, showed ruffled borders and clear zones at the surfaces of contact with bone-features typical of resorptive activity. Alternatively osteoclasts were added onto the endosteal surfaces of vital or devitalized diaphyses of quail femurs after removal of the endosteal and periosteal cell layers. The results indicated that, when the vital or devitalized bone surfaces were devoid of cells, the osteoclasts adhered and resorbed bone (as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy). When vital bone of quail was cultured for 24 h before the addition of osteoclasts a new cell layer was formed; it enveloped all bone surfaces and precluded the access of osteoclasts to bone. The role of these lining cells, ultrastructurally indistinguishable from resting osteoblasts, is discussed.

Isolated osteoclasts in primary culture: first observations on structure and survival in culture media

Osteoclasts were isolated mechanically from the medullary bone of laying hens kept 7 days on a low calcium diet. Osteoclast enrichment was achieved with 3-4 sedimentations of the cell suspension in test-tubes prepared by layering on the bottom with BSA 10% in MEM-HEPES or PBS, above which the cells were suspended in MEM-HEPES or PBS. The final suspension of osteoclasts was cultivated in MEM with 10% FCS for 3 weeks. The cultures were observed by phase-contrast and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By the third day, the osteoclasts were completely spread onto the plastic dishes and a variety of morphologies and of intercellular contacts was established. Osteoclasts in culture do not lose their morphology; they survive for long periods and can be used in many experimental systems.