Study of the localization of [3H]bovine parathyroid hormone in bone by light microscope autoradiography

Hope for CKD-MBD Patients: New Diagnostic Approaches for Better Treatment of CKD-MBD

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) patients have a huge morbidity and mortality. Only relatively minor progress in therapeutic strategies has been made in the past decades. This is at least partially due to a lack of predictive diagnostic tools allowing personalized treatment of CKD-MBD patients.

SUMMARY

In this review we describe recent progress in the diagnosis of disturbances of calcium and phosphate metabolism in patients with CKD-MBD, measuring biological active nonoxidized parathyroid hormone as well as the overall likelihood of a patient to get calcified.

KEY MESSAGE

There is hope. The new tools have the potential of allowing personalized therapy for the treatment of CKD-MBD and hence improving outcome.

High-turnover osteoporosis is induced by cyclosporin A in rats

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is used widely as an immunosuppressive agent, but it induces osteoporosis as a prominent side effect. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in CsA-induced osteoporosis, the effects of CsA on bone metabolism were investigated in a rat experimental model. Fifteen-day-old rats were fed a powdered diet containing or lacking CsA for 8-30 days. Analysis was performed by micro-computed tomography (muCT) and light microscopy to examine histomorphometric changes in rat tibiae on days 8, 16, and 30. Plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and osteocalcin (OCN) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on days 8, 16, and 30. The expression of OCN, osteopontin (OPN), and cathepsin K mRNAs in tibial bone marrow was examined by Northern blot analysis on days 8 and 16. Although no significant differences were observed in tibial length during the experimental periods, or in histomorphometric parameters on day 8, an apparent decrease in bone volume was observed in the CsA-treated group after day 16. Histologic analysis showed that the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts on the surface of trabecular bone in the CsA-treated group had increased significantly on day 16. Plasma PTH and OCN levels in CsA-treated rats were significantly higher than those in control animals on day 8. Northern blot analysis revealed that the CsA-treated group showed an increase in the expression of OCN, OPN, and cathepsin K mRNAs on day 8 compared with the controls. These findings suggest that bone resorption in CsA-treated rats is induced by high-turnover osteoporosis and that bone remodeling activity may be activated by PTH.

Parathyroid hormone and transforming growth factor-beta1 coregulate chondrocyte differentiation in vitro

Parathyroid hormone (1-34) (PTH(1-34) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) regulate chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis. Both proteins mediate their effects in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the effects are cell maturation specific. Moreover, similar signaling pathways are used, suggesting that there may be cross talk leading to coregulated cell response. To test this hypothesis, confluent cultures of rat costochondral resting zone and growth zone chondrocytes were treated with 0.22, 0.44, or 0.88 ng/mL of rhTGF-beta1 for 24 h, followed by treatment with 10(-11) to 10(-8) M PTH(1-34) for 10 min or 24 h. [3H]-Thymidine incorporation, specific activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP), and [35S]-sulfate incorporation were measured. PTH(1-34) had no effect on [3H]-thymidine incorporation by growth zone cells pretreated with 0.22 or 0.44 ng/mL of TGF-beta1, but in cultures treated with 0.88 ng/mL, PTH(1-34) caused a dose-dependent decrease that was maximal at the lowest concentration tested. By contrast, PTH(1-34) stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation by resting zone cells, and this effect was additive with the stimulation caused by 0.22 ng/mL of TGF-beta1. PTH(1-34) caused a synergistic increase in AP in growth zone cells treated with 0.44 or 0.88 ng/mL of TGF-beta1, but not in cells treated with 0.22 ng/mL of TGF-beta1. It had no effect on AP in resting zone cells pretreated with any concentration of TGF-beta1. PTH(1-34) increased [35S]-sulfate incorporation in growth zone and resting zone cell cultures treated with 0.22 ng/mL of TGF-beta1 to levels seen in cultures treated with 0.88 ng/mL of TGF-beta1 alone. These results support the hypothesis that PTH(1-34) and TGF-beta1 coregulate growth plate chondrocytes and that the effects are cell maturation dependent.

Trabecular bone turnover, bone marrow cell development, and gene expression of bone matrix proteins after low calcium feeding in rats

Low-calcium-fed animals have been accepted as one of the experimental models showing a reduction in bone mass. However, the effects of short-term low-calcium feeding on bone turnover, the development of osteoprogenitor cells, and gene expression of bone matrix proteins have not been reported. In this study, we examined the effect of a low-calcium diet on rat tibia and analyzed the changes in the bone by histomorphometry, bone marrow cell culture, and in situ and Northern hybridization of the bone matrix proteins. Rats were fed either a low-calcium diet (0.05% Ca) or a normal calcium diet (0.5% Ca) using the pair feeding technique. They were killed at day 0, 12 h, and days 1, 2, and 3. In the low-calcium group, the serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was temporarily increased in 12 h after feeding the low-calcium diet. Bone mineral density in the trabecular bone was significantly decreased from 1 day after the low-calcium feeding, but cortical bone did not show any changes during the experimental period. The bone volume per tissue volume in the proximal tibia also decreased from day 1 in the low-calcium group. The number of osteoclasts and osteoblasts on the trabecular bone surface was increased in the low-calcium group compared with the normal-calcium group. An ex vivo study showed that the number of progenitors of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in bone marrow was also increased in the low-calcium group of rats. The localization of type I collagen mRNA was observed in osteoblasts in the low-calcium group. The Northern hybridization study showed that the gene expression of type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteocalcin was increased at day 3 in the low-calcium group. These results indicated that the trabecular bone surface quickly responded to the low-calcium feeding and that bone remodeling activity was activated probably by PTH. The changes in bone marrow cell populations and the gene expression of bone matrix proteins are closely associated with increased bone turnover induced by the low-calcium diet, resulting in rapid bone loss of the trabecular bone.

Early effects of short-term parathyroid hormone administration on bone mass, mineral content, and strength in female rats

The present study was designed to examine the metabolic changes and early effects of short-term parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment on bone mass, mineral content, and strength. Forty-eight 10-week-old intact female rats were randomized into six groups. The three PTH-treated groups were subcutaneously given PTH 50 microg/kg body weight daily for 5 (PTH5), 10 (PTH10), or 15 (PTH15) days. The three respective time control groups (C5, C10, and C15) were injected with saline solution. In serum, total calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were analyzed. Bone mass was estimated with wet and dry weights of the femora and hydroxyproline content of the tibiae. Ash weight and calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus contents (determined by AAS) were used to measure femoral mineral content. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the femora was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the biomechanical properties of the femoral neck were tested. After 5 days of PTH treatment, some trends of the anabolic actions of PTH could be observed, but there was no significant effect on relevant parameters of bone formation. After 10 days, bone mass, mineral content (assessed by ash weight), and BMD of the PTH-treated rats were significantly increased compared with those of controls. The relative femoral magnesium content of the PTH-treated animals was significantly higher than that of controls. After 15 days, the length of the femora, bone mass, mineral content, BMD, and the width of the femoral neck were increased, and its biomechanical properties were significantly improved in PTH-treated rats compared with the respective time control group. PTH treatment significantly increased circulating alkaline phosphatase and decreased systemic IGF-I concentrations throughout the study. In conclusion, intermittent PTH administration to still growing female rats is anabolic in bone with significant effects already taking place after 10 days of treatment. The effects of PTH consisted of: (1) an increase in bone mass and mineral content with a transient augmentation of relative magnesium content; and (2) improved width and mechanical properties of the femoral neck after 15 days of treatment. These effects are accompanied by an increase in longitudinal bone growth. They are unlikely related to any changes in systemic IGF-I concentrations.

Rapid and long-term effects of PTH(1-34) on growth plate chondrocytes are mediated through two different pathways in a cell-maturation-dependent manner

The aims of this study were to clarify the role of cell maturation stage on chondrocyte response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) by examining the effect of PTH(1-34) on alkaline-phosphatase-specific activity (ALPase) of chondrocyte cultures at two distinct stages of maturation, and to determine the signaling pathways used by the cells to mediate this effect. Confluent, fourth passage rat costochondral resting zone (RC) and growth zone (GC) chondrocytes were used. ALPase was measured in the cell layer, as well as in matrix vesicles (MV) and plasma membranes (PM), after the addition of 10(-7) 10(-11) mol/L bovine PTH(1-34), the active peptide, or bovine PTH(3-34), the inactive peptide, to the cultures. PTH(1-34) increased ALPase in the GC cultures at two separate times: between 5 and 180 min, with maximal stimulation at 10 min, and 36 to 48 h. In contrast, PTH(3-34) had no effect. At 10 min and 48 h, PTH(1-34) produced a dose-dependent increase in ALPase of both MV and PM isolated from GC cultures. Addition of forskolin and IBMX to increase cAMP increased ALPase in GC cultures to a level similar to that seen after addition of PTH(1-34). In contrast, the addition of PTH(1-34) to RC cells only increased ALPase between 5 and 60 min, with peak activity at 10 min. As with GC, PTH increased ALPase in both MV and PM. Moreover, the addition of PTH(3-34) or forskolin and IBMX had no effect on ALPase in RC. PTH(1-34) had no effect on GC protein kinase C (PKC) activity; however, the addition of PTH(1-34) to RC caused a dose-dependent increase in PKC activity. H8, an inhibitor of PKA, had no effect on PTH-stimulated ALPase in RC cells, but inhibited the PTH-dependent response in GC cells. In contrast, chelerythrine, an inhibitor of PKC activity, inhibited PTH-stimulated ALPase in RC cells, but had no effect on PTH-stimulated ALPase in GC cells. This study shows that the effect of PTH(1-34) on RC and GC cells is maturation dependent in terms of time course and mechanism. Whereas both cell types exhibit a rapid response to PTH, only GC cells show a long-term response. In GC, the effects of PTH are associated with changes in cAMP and may also involve at least one other pathway, whereas, in RC, the PTH effects appear to be associated with changes in PKC.

Parathyroid hormone uses both adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C to regulate acid production in osteoclasts

Osteoclasts, isolated from the endosteum of 2.5- to 3-week-old chickens, were treated with acridine orange, a hydrogen ion concentration-sensitive fluorescent dye, in order to monitor changes in acid production. The adenylate cyclase inhibitor, alloxan, blocked parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated acid production. Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a membrane-permeant form of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, mimicked the PTH effect. Bisindolylmaleimide, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), blocked the initial stimulation (15, 30, and 60 min) of acid production by PTH but had no effect on long-term stimulation (120 min). Confocal microscopy of osteoclasts stained with fluorescein-conjugated bisindolylmateimide revealed a shift in location of PKC from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane region after treatment with parathyroid hormone. The results of these studies support the hypothesis that PTH regulation of acid production in osteoclasts involves both adenylate cyclase and PKC as effectors.

Differential regulation of type-II and type-X collagen synthesis by parathyroid hormone-related protein in chick growth-plate chondrocytes

Parathyroid hormone-related protein is a critical autocrine regulator of endochondral ossification in the growth plate, as demonstrated by the severe disruption of growth-plate structure and function in parathyroid hormone-related protein-deficient transgenic mice. In the present study, the effects of parathyroid hormone-related protein on the synthesis of collagen mRNA and protein were studied in short-term cultures of isolated chick growth-plate chondrocytes. Parathyroid hormone-related protein selectively inhibits type-X collagen protein synthesis with no significant effect on type-II collagen protein synthesis. These effects were present in all maturationally distinct populations of chondrocytes separated by countercurrent centrifugal elutriation. In cultures of resting chondrocytes, the onset of type-X collagen expression was inhibited, while the synthesis of type-X collagen was decreased in cultures of hypertrophic chondrocytes. Synthesis of type-II and type-X collagen mRNA was examined by nonradioactive in situ hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotide cDNA probes, and the level of expression was quantified using digital image analysis. Dose-dependent suppression of type-X collagen gene expression by parathyroid hormone-related protein was observed, with no significant effect on type-II collagen mRNA detected. The results were confirmed by analysis of Northern blots of total chondrocyte mRNA. These experiments demonstrated differential transcriptional regulation of type-II and type-X collagen, with selective suppression of type-X collagen expression, by parathyroid hormone-related protein in growth-plate chondrocytes. In addition, excellent agreement was found between traditional protein and mRNA analyses and microscopic digital image analysis techniques, supporting the use of this convenient and sensitive assay method. Parathyroid hormone-related protein inhibits chondrocyte maturation and is known to stimulate proliferation, suggesting that this autocrine factor may function to regulate premature hypertrophy in the growth plate.

Differential effects of parathyroid hormone fragments on collagen gene expression in chondrocytes

The effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vivo after secretion by the parathyroid gland is mediated by bioactive fragments of the molecule. To elucidate their possible role in the regulation of cartilage matrix metabolism, the influence of the amino-terminal (NH2-terminal), the central, and the carboxyl-terminal (COOH-terminal) portion of the PTH on collagen gene expression was studied in a serum free cell culture system of fetal bovine and human chondrocytes. Expression of alpha1 (I), alpha1 (II), alpha1 (III), and alpha1 (X) mRNA was investigated by in situ hybridization and quantified by Northern blot analysis. NH2-terminal and mid-regional fragments containing a core sequence between amino acid residues 28-34 of PTH induced a significant rise in alpha1 (II) mRNA in proliferating chondrocytes. In addition, the COOH-terminal portion (aa 52-84) of the PTH molecule was shown to exert a stimulatory effect on alpha1 (II) and alpha1 (X) mRNA expression in chondrocytes from the hypertrophic zone of bovine epiphyseal cartilage. PTH peptides harboring either the functional domain in the central or COOH-terminal region of PTH can induce cAMP independent Ca2+ signaling in different subsets of chondrocytes as assessed by microfluorometry of Fura-2/AM loaded cells. These results support the hypothesis that different hormonal effects of PTH on cartilage matrix metabolism are exerted by distinct effector domains and depend on the differentiation stage of the target cell.

PTH/PTHrP receptor expression on osteoblasts and osteocytes but not resorbing bone surfaces in growing rats

Using in situ hybridization, we correlated the expression of mRNA for the parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTH/PTHrP) receptor with bone formation and resorption in undecalcified serial sections of bones from growing rats. In addition we investigated the presence of biologically active receptors in the same locations using an in vivo autoradiographic technique. In the ulnae of growing rats, there are well defined zones of cortical bone formation and resorption. These contribute to the modeling drifts by which the bone achieves its adult shape. Forming surfaces incorporate fluorochrome labels, are lined with osteoid, and have a layer of cuboidal osteoblasts that have a high alkaline phosphatase activity. Resorbing surfaces have no fluorochrome incorporation, no osteoid, and are lined with resorbing cells with high tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA was expressed predominantly on forming but not on resorbing bone surfaces and colocalized with sites of binding of radiolabeled PTH after intravenous injection. PTH/PTHrP mRNA expression on osteocytes was inconclusive but radiolabeled PTH bound to a proportion of osteocytes in all regions of the cortex although binding was not specifically related to areas of bone formation or resorption. These results suggest that in growing animals the actions of PTH or PTHrP are connected more with bone formation than resorption. Such a role may be linked to the ability of PTH to induce bone formation in adults but does not explain the actions of the hormone in regulating resorption. Binding of PTH to osteocytes increases the evidence for a physiological role for these cells.

Expression pattern of parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone related peptide receptor mRNA in mouse postimplantation embryos indicates involvement in multiple developmental processes

In this paper we describe the cloning of the mouse Parathyroid Hormone/Parathyroid Hormone related Peptide Receptor (PTH/PTHrPR) cDNA and expression of its mRNA during mouse postimplantation development from day 5.5 until day 15.5 post coitum (p.c.). In support of a model from previous studies, in which parietal endoderm differentiation is regulated by the interaction of the PTH/PTHrPR and Parathyroid Hormone related Peptide (PTHrP), high levels of PTH/PTHrPR mRNA levels were detected in developing parietal endoderm from day 5.5 p.c. and onwards. In the embryo proper, PTH/PTHrPR mRNA expression was mainly detected at sites of epithelium/mesenchyme interactions, starting at day 9.5 p.c. in the epithelium of the intestine and later in the mesenchyme of the lung, the epithelium of meso- and metanephric tubuli, the dermis and at all sites where bone formation takes place. The complexity of the PTH/PTHrPR expression pattern suggests tight developmental regulation and indicates multiple roles in embryogenesis for the receptor and its ligands, not only in extraembryonic tissue but also in the formation of various organs.

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and fibroblast growth factor on DNA synthesis in growth plate chondrocytes are enhanced by insulin-like growth factor-I

The local tissue metabolism is controlled through the complex interaction between systemic and local growth factors. In recent years, an increasing number of autocrine or paracrine growth regulators have been identified in physeal cartilage. While these factors act to alter chondrocytes phenotypically and presumably are important mediators in the process of endochondral ossification, the manner in which they interact with the systemically regulated growth factor insulin-like growth factor-I is unknown. In the present study, the interactive effects of insulin-like growth factor-I with transforming growth factor-beta 1 or basic fibroblast growth factor were examined in short-term monolayer cultures of chick growth plate chondrocytes. [3H]thymidine incorporation was maximally stimulated 11-fold by fibroblast growth factor (10 ng/ml) and 3.5-fold by transforming growth factor-beta 1 following a 24-hour exposure in serum-containing cultures. The effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and fibroblast growth factor at both high and low concentrations were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner by insulin-like growth factor-I, with a 40-50% increase in DNA synthesis in the presence of 100 ng/ml of insulin-like growth factor-I. Since insulin-like growth factor-I increased [3H]thymidine incorporation after 48 hours (50% increase) but not after 24 hours of exposure, these observations represent a synergistic interaction. Total DNA in cultures treated for 5 days confirmed the modulating effect of insulin-like growth factor-I with transforming growth factor-beta 1 and fibroblast growth factor. The growth factors were further examined for their effects on markers of chondrocyte differentiation. While all three caused a dose-dependent inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity, the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I were additive only to those of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and fibroblast growth factor. Similarly, insulin-like growth factor-I did not affect the sulfate incorporation stimulated by fibroblast growth factor or transforming growth factor-beta 1. Insulin-like growth factor-I had no effect on total protein synthesis after 24 hours and, although type-II collagen mRNA levels were stimulated, it had no effect on type-X collagen mRNA, as determined by quantitative in situ hybridization. Finally, insulin-like growth factor-I did not alter the dose-dependent stimulation of noncollagen protein synthesis and the inhibition of collagen synthesis caused by fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in 24-hour cultures. Thus, the data suggest that insulin-like growth factor-I may have a role in augmenting the effects of other growth factors found in cartilage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Lethal skeletal dysplasia from targeted disruption of the parathyroid hormone-related peptide gene

The parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) gene was disrupted in murine embryonic stem cells by homologous recombination, and the null allele was introduced into the mouse germ line. Mice homozygous for the PTHrP null mutation died postnatally, probably from asphyxia, and exhibited widespread abnormalities of endochondral bone development. Histological examination revealed a diminution of chondrocyte proliferation, associated with premature maturation of chondrocytes and accelerated bone formation. Analysis of earlier developmental stages revealed that disturbance in cartilage growth preceded abnormal endochondral bone formation. There were no morphological abnormalities apparent in other tissues. These results provide direct evidence implicating PTHrP in normal skeletal development and serve to emphasize its potential involvement in human osteochondrodysplasias.

Effects of parathyroid hormone-related peptide on chick growth plate chondrocytes

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) have similar biological effects in vitro that are mediated through the PTH receptor. PTH receptors have been demonstrated in the zone of provisional calcification and the hypertrophic zone of the cartilaginous growth plate. The current study examined the biological effects of PTHrP on chick growth plate chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were exposed to varying doses of PTHrP for 24 h, and the incorporation of radioactive thymidine into DNA was used as an index of proliferation. A dose-dependent stimulation of proliferation was seen, with a maximal 27-fold increase at 50 nM PTHrP. A dose-dependent stimulation of cAMP was seen, with a maximal effect at a dose of 50 nM. Proteoglycan synthesis, measured by incorporation of radioactive sulfate, was stimulated, with a maximal effect of 65% at 1 nM. Collagen synthesis and alkaline phosphatase activity from both cellular and matrix vesicle sources decreased in a dose-dependent fashion, with a maximal inhibition of approximately 50% of the control value. The physiologic significance of the PTH and PTHrP-responsiveness of growth plate chondrocytes is uncertain at the present time. It is possible that PTH or PTHrP, or both, act as a systemic, developmental modulator of cellular proliferation and differentiation in the growth plate.

In situ localization of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA in the bone of fetal and young rats

We characterized cells that express parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTH/PTHrP) receptor mRNA in bones of fetal and postnatal rats by in situ hybridization. During endochondral development of fetal bones, PTH/PTHrP receptor transcripts were highly expressed both in maturing chondrocytes and in osteoblasts in the periosteum and ossification center, but not in fully hypertrophic chondrocytes. Similar to the localization in the fetal bones, PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA expression was highly localized to maturing chondrocytes in the articular cartilage and growth plate, and to osteoblasts in the femur of young rats. In both young and fetal rats, transcripts for Type X collagen were localized to hypertrophic chondrocytes, mostly between chondrocytes and bone cells both of which express PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA. Transcripts for PTH/PTHrP receptors and alkaline phosphatase co-localized in the bone of young rats, but they did not co-localize in fetal bones at the early stages of endochondral ossification. These results show that PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA is expressed in a cell-type and stage-specific manner during skeletal development.

Structural changes in condylar cartilage following prolonged exposure to the human parathyroid hormone fragment (hPTH) 1-34 in vitro

This investigation presents the structural changes in condylar cartilage incubated in the presence of human parathyroid hormone (1-34) in an organ culture system for 6 to 12 days. Control cultures maintained their cartilaginous characteristics whereas human parathyroid hormone (1-34)-treated cultures revealed the following modifications: (1) The chondroprogenitor cell zone at the apical region of the explant underwent a substantial enlargement. The cells changed from a mesenchyme-like morphology into polygonal, glycogen-rich cells that were tightly attached to each other by a fibrillar intercellular matrix, but even by 12 days the apical region was comprised of healthy cells. (2) The mineralizing zone in the hypertrophic cartilage revealed a change in its cellular population. Hypertrophic chondrocytes were replaced by cells with amoeboid extensions and large numbers of secretory granules or vesicles. Based upon the above findings it appears that the chondroprogenitor cells that are initially stimulated to proliferate, are being suppressed from subsequent differentiation into chondroblasts; and that hypertrophic chondrocytes apparently undergo a dedifferentiation process followed by development into an as yet unknown cell population.

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)

Differential effects of parathyroid hormone on chick growth plate and articular chondrocytes

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) binds specifically to the hypertrophic region of growth plate cartilage [16]. This specific binding suggests a role for this hormone in chondrocyte maturation. Enzymatically isolated chick articular and growth plate chondrocytes grown in monolayer culture were used to assay the direct effects of PTH on chondrocytes. The articular chondrocytes were unresponsive to PTH. The growth plate chondrocytes, however, demonstrated a marked mitogenic response to PTH, with a 39-fold increase of [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. PTH also affected matrix production by the growth plate chondrocytes causing a twofold stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis as determined by the rate of 35SO4 incorporated into matrix macromolecules. Furthermore, PTH depressed collagen synthesis as measured by [3H]-proline incorporation. PTH caused a 12-fold increase in intracellular cAMP in growth plate chondrocytes but no increase in the articular cells. This specificity of PTH for growth plate chondrocytes suggests a possible regulatory role in enchondral ossification.

Differential expression of biological effects in maturationally distinct subpopulations of growth plate chondrocytes

Countercurrent centrifugal elutriation is an accurate and reproducible technique which can separate cells on the basis of size. This technique was utilized for the separation of isolated chick growth plate chondrocytes. Mean cellular volume, alkaline phosphatase activity, and Type X collagen synthesis progressively increased in each of seven successive separated fractions. The chondrocytes from the different fractions expressed a differential response to the growth regulator, transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta). TGF beta receptor binding to these cell fractions suggests that the different biological effects may be due to differences in the number of receptors expressed per cell as well as to differences in the proportion of high and low affinity TGF beta receptors present.