ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Osteoblasts
;
Osteoclasts
;
Differentiation
;
Bone
;
Cartilage
;
Chicken
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The resorbing region of uncalcified cartilage in the tibia of embryonic chick was studied using 3H-proline autoradiography, histochemistry, and horseradish-peroxidase tracers. At the cartilage-bone marrow interface, two kinds of cells (A and B) were identified. Type-A cells were elongated, contacted the matrix of the uncalcified cartilage directly, and possessed extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum, one or two juxtanuclear Golgi apparatus and cell membranes exhibiting prominent alkaline phosphatase activity. Type-B cells were round to oval, mononucleate (occasionally binucleate), and contained abundant mitochondria, vacuoles and vesicles, well-developed Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. The lysosomes and the majority of vacuoles and Golgi lamellae of these cells showed prominent acid phosphatase activity. Type-B cells accumulated more horseradish-peroxidase reaction product in their vacuoles and vesicles than type-A cells. Thick, banded collagen fibrils were occasionally found in the matrix of the resorbing surface. 3H-proline autoradiography revealed small numbers of grains at the cartilage-bone marrow interface. These findings suggest that type-A cells have osteoblastic and type-B cells osteoclastic properties and are precursor cells of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. The appearance of a mineral phase in the resorbing cartilage is probably important for the differentiation of these cells.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00222355
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