Fetal Rat Limb Bones Research Articles

Localization of Thy-1–positive Cells in the Perichondrium During Endochondral Ossification

We elucidated the localization of Thy-1-positive cells in the perichondrium of fetal rat limb bones to clarify the distribution of osteogenic cells in the process of endochondral ossification. We also examined the formation of calcified bone-like matrices by isolated perichondrial cells in vitro. At embryonic day (E) 15.5, when the cartilage primodia were formed, immunoreactivity for Thy-1 was detected in cells of the perichondrium adjacent to the zone of hypertrophic chondrocytes. At E17.5, when the bone collar formation and the vascular invasion were initiated, fibroblast-like cells at the sites of vascular invasion, as well as in the perichondrium, showed Thy-1 labeling. Double immunostaining for Thy-1 and osterix revealed that Thy-1 was not expressed in the osterix-positive osteoblasts. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that Thy-1-positive cells in the zone of hypertrophic chondrocytes came in contact with blood vessels. Perichondrial cells isolated from limb bones showed alkaline phosphatase activity and formed calcified bone-like matrices after 4 weeks in osteogenic medium. RT-PCR demonstrated that Thy-1 expression decreased as calcified nodules formed. Conversely, the expression of osteogenic marker genes Runx2, osterix, and osteocalcin increased. These results indicate that Thy-1 is a good marker for characterizing osteoprogenitor cells.

Involvement of PKC-β in PTH, TNF-α, and IL-1β Effects on IL-6 Promoter in Osteoblastic Cells and on PTH-Stimulated Bone Resorption

Protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to be activated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) in osteoblasts. Prior evidence suggests that this activation mediates responses leading to bone resorption, including production of the osteoclastogenic cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). However, the importance of specific PKC isozymes in this process has not been investigated. A selective antagonist of PKC-β, LY379196, was used to determine the role of the PKC-β isozyme in the expression of IL-6 in UMR-106 rat osteoblastic cells and in bone resorption in fetal rat limb bone organ cultures. PTH, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced translocation of PKC-α and -βI to the plasma membrane in UMR-106 cells within 5 min. The stimulation of PKC-βI translocation by PTH, TNF-α or IL-1β was inhibited by LY379196. In contrast, LY379196 did not affect PTH, TNF-α-, or IL-1β-stimulated translocation of PKC-α. PTH, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased luciferase expression in UMR-106 cells transiently transfected with a −224/+11 bp IL-6 promoter-driven reporter construct. The IL-6 responses were also attenuated by treatment with LY379196. Furthermore, LY379196 inhibited bone resorption elicited by PTH in fetal rat bone organ cultures. These results indicate that PKC-βI is a component of the signaling pathway that mediates PTH-, TNF-α-, and IL-1β-stimulated IL-6 expression and PTH-stimulated bone resorption.

Divergent effects of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide i (GF109203X) on bone resorption

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) has been suggested to play a role in bone resorption. However, phorbol esters, which activate PKC, have been reported to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on bone resorption. To study the role of PKC in bone resorption further, we have measured calcium release elicited by bone-resorbing hormones from isolated bones incubated with the PKC inhibitors staurosporine (ST) and the more PKC-selective ST analog bisindolylmaleimide I (GF109203X; GF). In fetal rat limb bone organ cultures, ST (1 μM) or GF (1 μM) significantly reduced the bone resorption induced by maximal concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, when submaximal concentrations of PTH were used, lower concentrations of the two antagonists had divergent effects. GF (20–300 nM) acted solely as an antagonist, whereas ST (10–100 nM) significantly enhanced resorptive responses to PTH. ST also enhanced the bone resorption elicited by α-thrombin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and thyroxin (T4). ST alone had small stimulatory effects in some experiments. GF prevented the stimulatory effects of ST alone as well as the enhancing effect of ST on PTH-stimulated resorption. The divergent effects of ST and GF on the responses of bone to low concentrations of PTH and the ability of GF to antagonize the stimulatory effects of ST suggest that PKC isozymes have complex and even antagonistic effects on bone resorption.

Alendronate/interleukin-1beta cotreatment increases interleukin-6 in bone and UMR-106 cells: dose dependence and relationship to the antiresorptive effect of alendronate.

Aminobisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption but have been shown to elicit acute-phase-like elevations in interleukin-6 (IL-6) in bone in vitro. The current studies were carried out to determine the relationship between the antiresorptive effects of the aminobisphosphonate alendronate and its effects on IL-6. Resorption was elicited in cultured 19-day fetal rat limb bones by 72 h treatment with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Bone mass was quantitated at the end of the culture period to assess resorption. IL-6 was determined by bioassay (7TD1 cell proliferation). IL-1beta (18 and 180 pM) stimulated bone resorption and increased IL-6. Alendronate (70 microM) inhibited the IL-1beta-stimulated resorption. Alendronate alone did not affect IL-6 production by the bones. The IL-6 production from bones stimulated with 18 pM IL-1beta was not significantly affected by alendronate, but the IL-6 production from bones stimulated with 180 pM IL-1beta plus alendronate (21 and 70 microM) was higher than with IL-1beta alone. Indomethacin (1 mM) inhibited the IL-6 increase elicited by 180 pM IL-1beta and the enhanced IL-6 production elicited by cotreatment with IL-1beta and alendronate. Since bone cultures contain multiple cell types, further experiments were carried out to determine whether alendronate could increase IL-1beta-stimulated IL-6 production in an osteoblast cell line, UMR-106. Alendronate alone did not affect IL-6 in UMR-106 cells. Alendronate (70 microM) in combination with IL-1beta (180, 1.8, or 8 nM), or 7 microM alendronate, in combination with 8 nM IL-1beta, significantly increased IL-6 in 48 h cell cultures. The results from the bone organ cultures show that alendronate can enhance IL-6 production elicited by higher concentrations of the cytokine IL-1beta in bone, but that this effect on IL-6 does not prevent the inhibitory actions of alendronate on bone resorption. The results with the UMR106 cells indicate that one cellular site at which this enhancement of IL-6 production can occur is the osteoblast.

Parathyroid hormone-induced resorption in fetal rat limb bones is associated with production of the metalloproteinases collagenase and gelatinase B.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced bone resorption was assayed using a fetal rat limb bone culture system. Cotreatment of bones with PTH and recombinant inhibitor of metalloproteinases, TIMP-1, in vitro, inhibited the PTH-stimulated 45Ca release from the limb bones without affecting beta-glucuronidase release. TIMP-1 was fully effective when added during only the final 24 h of a 72 h culture with PTH but was ineffective when added for only the first 24 h of the 72 h culture. In contrast, calcitonin (CT) was effective when added for either the first 24 or the final 24 h of the culture. Using in situ hybridization, the mRNA for collagenase was detected in mononuclear cells of cultured bone. Treatment of the bones with PTH resulted in an increase in the number of cells producing collagenase mRNA, some of which had osteoclastic morphology, PTH also caused a dramatic induction of the mRNA for the 92-kD gelatinase B metalloproteinase in both mononuclear and osteoclastic cells. There was no detectable mRNA for the metalloproteinases stromelysin-1, stromelysin-2, or matrilysin in PTH-treated or control cultures. These results suggest that PTH-induced bone resorption is mediated, at least in part, by the induction of collagenase and gelatinase B mRNA in bone cells.

Triiodothyronine potentiates the stimulatory effects of interleukin-1 beta on bone resorption and medium interleukin-6 content in fetal rat limb bone cultures.

It has been demonstrated that thyroid hormones stimulate osteoclasts indirectly and that this effect is mediated by products of other cell types present in bone. To determine if interleukin-6 (IL-6) could be a mediator of thyroid hormone action, we investigated the effect of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) on bone resorption (45Ca release) and on the IL-6 concentration in medium from cultured 19-day-old fetal rat limb bones. T3 alone increased 45Ca release significantly only at a fairly high concentration (10(-6)M) under the conditions used. T3 alone, over a 10(-11)-10(-6) M concentration range, failed to elicit a detectable effect on the medium IL-6 content. However, T3 potentiated the stimulatory effect of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) on IL-6 production in a dose-dependent manner. T3, 10(-8) M, also significantly increased IL-1 beta-stimulated calcium release. Inhibition of IL-1 beta with 1 muM interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) abrogated the potentiating effects of T3 on IL-1 beta-stimulated IL-6 production and blocked the combined effect of T3 and IL-1 beta on 45Ca release. One micromolar indomethacin significantly, but not completely, inhibited the effect of IL-1 beta, as well as the combined effect of IL-1 beta and T3 on resorption and IL-6 production, indicating the involvement of prostaglandins in these actions. Consistent with this, 1 microM prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) significantly increased both the IL-6 production and the calcium release. By potentiating the effect of IL-1 beta, T3 increased bone resorption at much lower concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of coumestrol on bone metabolism in organ culture.

Coumestrol, a representative phytoestrogen, inhibited bone resorption-stimulating agent-induced bone resorption, whereas it did not inhibit basal bone resorption of cultured fetal rat limb bone. Coumestrol increased the calcium content of 9-d-old chick embryonic femurs in organ culture, indicating that this phytoestrogen stimulated bone-mineralizing activity. Therefore, coumestrol is a unique substance in that it inhibits bone resorption and, at the same time, stimulates bone mineralization. Coumestrol exhibited less estrogenic activity than 17 beta-estradiol as estimated by the increase in uterine weight of ovariectomized rats. As coumestrol has less estrogenic activity than 17 beta-estradiol, it may prove to be a more potent drug against bone diseases including osteoporosis.

Thyroid hormones increase insulin-like growth factor I content in the medium of rat bone tissue

The mechanism of action of thyroid hormones on bone is still not clear. At low concentrations, they stimulate bone formation; at high concentrations, they elicit bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we investigated the effect of T3 and T4 as well as their active and inactive analogs (TRIAC, SKF L-94901, rT3, and DIT) on the IGF-I and TNF-alpha content in the medium of UMR-106 rat osteoblastic cells and fetal rat limb bones. In the dose-response studies, a biphasic increase in medium IGF-I was observed in both cells and limb bones, with peak stimulatory concentrations of 10(-8) M for T3 and 10(-7) M for T4 in both systems. At higher concentrations, at which thyroid hormones elicit bone resorption, the stimulatory effect diminished and finally was no longer detectable. The active analogs TRIAC and SKF L-94901 also enhanced IGF-I release in UMR-106 cells. The inactive compounds rT3 and DIT failed to increase IGF-I in these cultures. The protein content of the cell culture wells exposed to high concentrations of thyroid hormones was similar to those containing low concentrations, indicating that the decrease in IGF-I content at high doses was not due to toxic effects. This was also confirmed by trypan blue exclusion. Time course studies with UMR-106 cells revealed a significant increase in medium IGF-I after 2 days of incubation. No significant further increase was observed after this up to 5 days of culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of the role of second messenger systems in tumor necrosis factor-stimulated resorption of fetal rat limb bones

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) actions in target tissues are mediated by various signalling pathways. The effect of TNF to stimulate resorption in fetal rat limb bones is not inhibited by indomethacin. The current studies were designed to assess the role of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and calcium as second messengers in this prostaglandin-independent action of TNF on bone resorption. TNF alone failed to increase cyclic AMP in fetal rat limb bones after either brief (15 min) or long-term (72 h) treatment. TNF-stimulated resorption in fetal rat limb bones was enhanced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). In short term incubations, the combination of TNF + IBMX did not elicit increases in cAMP in the limb bones. In 72 h cultures, addition of IBMX revealed a dose-dependent effect of TNF to increase cAMP. TNF produced a significant increase in inositol phosphate turnover in limb bones, with a greater response at 5 min than at 1 or 20 min. The calcium channel blocker nitrendipine inhibited TNF-stimulated resorption in the fetal rat limb bones. TNF-stimulated resorption was attenuated by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTx). PTx did not inhibit the effect of TNF to increase inositol phosphate turnover. TNF did not increase cAMP, intracellular calcium, or inositol phosphates in the UMR-106 cells. The data suggest the following: (a) cyclic mucleotides may play a role in TNF-stimulated resorption, although an increase in cAMP is not a direct rapid effect of TNF per se; (b) inositol phosphates could also play a signalling role in the action of TNF; (c) a pertussis toxin-sensitive step is required for TNF action on bone resorption.

Interactions of tumor necrosis factor with local and systemic factors in fetal rat limb bones.

In many tissues the actions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) are indirectly mediated through the production of autacoids or other cytokines. To determine the role that these factors might have in the action of TNF on bone resorption, we examined the effects of several selective inhibitors on TNF-stimulated resorption. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin did not prevent TNF-stimulated resorption in fetal rat limb bones. Stimulation of resorption by TNF was also unaffected by the platelet activating factor antagonist WEB 2086. A 17.5 kD interleukin receptor antagonist protein, at concentrations that completely blocked the bone-resorbing actions of maximally effective concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, failed to affect the stimulatory actions of TNF. TNF-stimulated resorption was inhibited by both interferon-gamma and dexamethasone. Dexamethasone inhibited TNF-stimulated resorption more effectively than it inhibited parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated resorption. When bones were treated simultaneously with low concentrations of TNF and PTH, potentiation of the bone-resorbing effects was elicited. These results suggest that TNF stimulates resorption through a pathway different from that by which PTH produces its effects. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) enhanced responses to TNF; TGF-beta failed to inhibit the effects of TNF, even in long-term culture or when bones were pretreated with TGF-beta. Synergistic interactions between TNF and several other bone-resorbing factors have now been demonstrated. In contrast to the actions of TNF on certain other functions, the bone-resorbing effects of TNF, as determined in the fetal rat limb bone system, do not seem to be mediated by PAF, IL-1, or prostaglandins.

Endothelin-1 actions on resorption, collagen and noncollagen protein synthesis, and phosphatidylinositol turnover in bone organ cultures.

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET) on several tissues are mediated by prostaglandins. In this study, we investigated the actions of ET on bone and determined whether they are mediated through prostaglandin-dependent pathways. Bone resorption, collagen, and non-collagen protein synthesis and inositol phosphate (IP) production were studied in neonatal mouse calvaria and fetal rat limb bone cultures. The effects of ET in the calvaria model were examined in the presence or absence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (INDO). Bone resorption was stimulated by ET in the neonatal mouse calvaria, and this effect was inhibited by INDO. 45Ca release in the fetal rat limb bones was not affected by ET. ET stimulated collagen and noncollagen protein synthesis significantly in the calvaria model in the presence but not in the absence of INDO, suggesting that the anabolic effects of ET were masked by endogenous prostaglandin production. ET increased phosphatidylinositol turnover in both bone organ cultures. Although the addition of INDO reduced IP production slightly in the mouse calvaria, it was still significantly stimulated by ET. Our results demonstrate that ET has marked effects on bone tissue in vitro. Effects on resorption appear to be prostaglandin dependent, whereas the anabolic effects were not prostaglandin mediated. The stimulatory effects of ET on protein synthesis could be mediated through the IP signaling pathway. Since ET stimulates both bone resorption and anabolism, this peptide may have a role in the coupling of bone remodeling.

Effects on cultured neonatal mouse calvaria of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3,26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 and 26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1α,23S,25-trihydroxyvitamin D 3

The potency of 26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3) to enhance bone calcium (Ca) mobilization in vitro was higher than that of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). In a 48-h organ culture system using fetal rat limb bones, effects of 26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3 on bone resorption were similar to those of 1,25(OH)2D3. Thus, we attempted to clarify whether or not the potency of 26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3 in bone resorption in vitro would be higher than that of 1,25(OH)2D3. Calvarial bones from neonatal mice were used as explants and the culture period was extended to 144 from 48 h. In cultures of 0 to 48 h, both drugs increased the release of prelabeled 45Ca from cultured calvariae, in a dose-dependent manner. In cultures of 48 to 144 h, 26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3 was much more effective than 1,25(OH)2D3 regarding indices of bone resorption. 26,26,26,27,27,27-F6-1 alpha,23S,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 (26,27-F6-1,23,25(OH)3D3), a main metabolite of 26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3 in rats, stimulated 45Ca release equipotently to 1,25(OH)2D3. In mouse bone marrow cells cultured for 7 days, the potency of 26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3 on osteoclast formation was much higher than 1,25(OH)2D3. These results suggest that the higher potency of 26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3 in bone resorption may be due at least in part to both the higher potency of 26,27-F6-1,25(OH)2D3 in osteoclast formation and the larger retention of 26,27-F6-1,23,25(OH)3D3 in calvariae.

Effects of cyclosporins and transforming growth factor beta 1 on thyroid hormone action in cultured fetal rat limb bones.

To study the mechanism of action of thyroid hormones on bone, we examined the effects of immunosuppressive and nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporins, as well as of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), and dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) on thyroxine (T4)- and triiodothyronine (T3)-stimulated bone resorption in fetal rat limb bones. The immunosuppressive cyclosporins A (CsA) and G (CsG) inhibited thyroid hormone (T4 + T3)-stimulated resorption and beta-glucuronidase release into the culture medium, whereas the weak or nonimmunosuppressive cyclosporins D (CsD) and H (CsH) did not show this effect. Increasing the medium calcium concentration reduced the ability of T4 to stimulate 45Ca release, while not significantly affecting the response to CsA. TGF beta 1 elicited a biphasic effect when administered together with T4. During the first 3 days of culture, TGF beta 1 elicited a small, nonsignificant decrease in released 45Ca; during a subsequent 3 days of culture, it enhanced T4-stimulated bone resorption significantly. These effects differed from those of TGF beta 1 on parathormone-stimulated resorption. E2 and DHT did not influence the action of T4 on bone tissue. These results suggest that the mechanism of action of thyroid hormones on bone may involve immune factors, as well.

Diurnal rhythms in Ca transfer into bone, Ca release from bone, and bone resorbing activity in serum of rats

To characterize diurnal rhythms in calcium transfer in and out of bone, rats were adapted to a 12:12 h light-dark illumination program (with light from 0600 to 1800 h). For studies of deposition, rats were injected with 45CaCl2 at 0300, 0700, 1100, 1500, 1900 or 2300 h and killed with chloroform inhalation 60 min later, and radioactivity was determined in tibia and mandibular incisor. Peak deposition occurred at 2400 h, with a nadir at 1200 h. For studies of radionuclide release, rats were prelabeled with 45CaCl2 for 6 days and serum obtained from the tail at 4-h intervals. 45Ca and specific activity were maximal around 1200-1600 h and lowest late in the dark period. To determine the role of humoral factor(s), fetal rat limb bones were cultured in media prepared with sera from light-dark-adapted rats. Activity was maximal in serum collected at 0800 h and minimal at 1600 h. Heat inactivation at 100 degrees C for 5 min eliminated the difference between the peak and nadir. The results suggest that a heat-sensitive humoral factor(s) regulates diurnal rhythms in calcium metabolism.

Evidence for direct non-genomic effects of triiodothyronine on bone rudiments in rats: Stimulation of the inositol phosphate second messenger system

Thyroid hormones increase cytosolic free calcium by binding to plasma membrane receptors in several tissues. This calcium increase appears to initiate extranuclear effects in these tissues. Increases in cytosolic calcium are often a consequence of stimulation of inositol phosphate second messenger pathway. Several calcemic hormones act via this signal transduction route. Therefore we investigated the effects of the metabolically active T3 and the inactive analogues 3,5-diiodotyrosine and rT3 on the inositol phosphate pathway in fetal rat limb bone cultures prelabeled with [3H]myoinositol. Labelled inositol and inositol phosphates were separated by HPLC. There was a significant increase in the radioactivity in inositol bis- and trisphosphates after 1 min of exposure to 10(-7) mol/l T3. Stimulation was also observed at 10(-6) mol/l T3, but not at 10(-5) mol/l. Time course studies demonstrated a rapid effect of T3 on inositol phosphates within 30 seconds that lasted through 5 min. After 20 min incubation with T3, no increase was observed in inositol mono- and bisphosphates, and a decrease was seen in inositol trisphosphate. Pretreatment with indomethacin prevented these effects of T3. 3,5-diiodotyrosine and rT3 did not affect inositol phosphate metabolism. These results suggest the existence of plasma membrane-associated receptors for T3 in bone, in addition to the nuclear receptors demonstrated previously. The role of these receptors in the effects of thyroid hormones on bone remains to be established.

Cadmium-induced bone loss: Increased susceptibility in females

An overview is presented of studies on effects of Cd on (1) female mice during pregnancy and lactation and after ovariectomy and (2) bone organ/cell culture systems. The gastrointestinal absorption of Cd increased two- to threefold in mouse dams during pregnancy and lactation, with both the kidneys and duodenum of the dam showing striking increases in Cd deposition. Dietary Cd at 5 or 50 μg g−1 caused a dose-dependent decrease in femur Ca content in multiparous mouse dams but not in nonpregnant controls. In addition, dietary Cd at 50 μg g−1 significantly increased the loss of bone mineral that occurs normally in mice after removal of the ovaries. In cultures of fetal rat limb bones prelabeled with 45Ca, Cd at 10 nM (1 ng g−1) caused a release of 70% of the 45Ca, similar to the release caused by 10 nM parathyroid hormone. This level of Cd also caused a fivefold increase in the number of multinucleated osteoclast-like cells formed during invitro incubation of progenitor-enriched mononuclear bone marrow cells. These results support the view that Cd exposure contributed to the pathogenesis of Itai-Itai disease among multiparous, postmenopausal women in Japan and provide evidence that Cd may act directly on bone.

Second messengers in thrombin-stimulated bone resorption

Characterized human thrombins and two commercial bovine thrombin preparations were examined for their effects on bone resorption and on the cyclic AMP and phosphoinositide second messenger systems in bone. Human alpha- and gamma-thrombins, as well as both bovine thrombin preparations, stimulated bone resorption in vitro, whereas catalytically inactivated human diisopropylfluorophosphate (DIP)-alpha-thrombin did not significantly stimulate resorption. Human alpha-thrombin and a commercial bovine thrombin preparation increased cyclic AMP production in fetal rat limb bones, but another bovine commercial thrombin preparation and gamma-thrombin did not. Except for DIP-alpha-thrombin, all thrombins increased production of inositol phosphates in fetal rat limb bones at concentrations that stimulated resorption. In time course studies, bovine thrombin increased label in inositol trisphosphate at 30 s, with decreasing effects at later times. Inositol monophosphate increased progressively over 30 min. Our results are consistent with thrombin-stimulated bone resorption being mediated at least partially through the inositol phosphate pathway.

24- and 26-Homo-1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Analogs: Potencies on in vitro bone resorption differ from those reported for cell differentiation

It has been proposed that the stimulatory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on bone resorption may be mediated through actions on differentiation of marrow cells into monocytic osteoclast precursors. In human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60), 24- and 26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and their delta 22 analogs and 24,24-dihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are 10-fold more potent than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and delta 22-24,24,24-trihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is equipotent with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in inducing differentiation into the monocytic phenotype. The effect of these 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogous on resorption of fetal rat limb bones in vitro was determined in the present study. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 was equipotent with 24-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, delta 22-24-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and delta 22-26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for in vitro bone resorption, whereas 24,24-dihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and delta 22-24,24,24-trihomo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were inactive. The failure of these analogs to show a higher bone-resorbing activity than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were inactive. The failure of these analogs to show a higher bone-resorbing activity than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 provides evidence to suggest that the mechanism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced bone resorption may not involve stimulation of monocytic cell differentiation.

Cyclic AMP-dependent and calcium-dependent signals in parathyroid hormone function

Previous work demonstrated that parathyroid hormone (PTH) activates the Ca 2+/protein kinase C (PKC) system in addition to cAMP production. Therefore, the authors explored the role of cAMP-dependent and Ca 2+-dependent signals in the regulation of osteoblastic growth and bone resorption. In exponentially growing UMR 106-01 osteogenic sarcoma cells, PTH (10 −7 M) inhibited [ 3H] thymidine incorporation by 80%. This effect was reproduced by maximal doss of both dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP) and forskolin. The Ca 2+ ionophore ionomycin (10 −7 M) had no effect, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was slightly mitogenic. The antimitogenic action of dbcAMP was dose-dependent, with ED 0.5 at about 3 × 10 −5 M. Ionomycin enhanced this dbcAMP effect at submaximal doses of the cAMP analog. PMA used in combination with both dbcAMP and ionomycin induced further depression of cell proliferation, indicating synergism with cAMP. Both dbcAMP (10 −4 M) and ionomycin (10 −7 M) stimulated 45Ca release from fetal rat limb bones after five days in culture, although the Ca 2+ ionophore was less potent. 1-Oleoyl 2-acetyl-glycerol (2 × 10 −6 M) was ineffective alone, and slightly inhibited the 45Ca release produced by the other second messenger analogs in all combinations. The combination of dbcAMP and ionomycin showed a synergistic effect, and fully reproduced PTH effect. In conclusion, PTH signal transduction for control of cell proliferation and bone resorption is mediated mainly by cAMP. Activation of the Ca 2+/PKC message system is nevertheless necessary to express a full hormonal response in both cell and organ culture systems.

Cyclosporines: Correlation of immunosuppressive activity and inhibition of bone resorption

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive agent that inhibits stimulated bone resorption in vitro. To study the mechanism of this effect, we have compared CsA with several cyclosporine analogs that vary in immunosuppressive potency. CsA as well as another potent immunosuppressive analog, CsG, inhibited parathyroid hormone (PTH) and interleukin-1 (IL-1)-stimulated resorption of fetal rat limb bones. The nonimmuno-suppressive analogs CsH and CsF did not inhibit PTH or IL-1-stimulated bone resorption. Likewise, the weakly immunosuppressive analog CsD did not significantly inhibit PTH-stimulated bone resorption. Although other mechanisms cannot be excluded, our data are consistent with the concept that bone resorption may involve an immune cell-derived mediator.