Stereophotogrammetric observations on bone resorption by isolated rabbit osteoclasts

Abstract

Although the osteoclast has long been recognized as the major agent of bone resorption, it has previously only been possible to assess resorption by these cells in bone, where their response to environmental factors may be modified by, or even mediated by, the other cell types also present. We used a carborundum saw to prepare slices of human cortical bone which demonstrate a predictable surface appearance. Osteoclasts were disaggregated from neonatal rabbit long bone and settled onto these slices. After incubation for 24 hr we found that osteoclasts had formed distinctive excavations in the bone surface. This technique makes it possible, for the first time, to analyse the direct and indirect effects of hormones and cells on osteoclastic bone resorption.