Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Osteoclasts and their relationship to bone as studied by electron microscopy

  • Published:
Zeitschrift für Zellforschung und Mikroskopische Anatomie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Osteoclasts in metaphyses from young rats were systematically sectioned at different levels. Two types of osteoclasts were recognized. One type had no ruffled border while the other, and predominant type contained a ruffled border in a part of its length; some of the latter contained two ruffled borders. The closest contact between osteoclast and bone occurred at the level of the ruffled border and this bone under the border showed characteristic changes indicative of resorption. In some osteoclasts the ruffled border consisted of numerous slender cytoplasmic projections separated by very narrow spaces or channels while in other osteoclasts it was more open. The ruffled border was commonly surrounded by a transitional zone containing numerous thin filaments. The osteoclast usually had its greatest dimension at the level of the ruffled border and the cytoplasm here contained many bodies and vacuoles but a sparse endoplasmic reticulum. Away from the level of the ruffled border the cytoplasmic vacuoles and bodies were fewer while the endoplasmic reticulum was often more pronounced. Parts of the osteoclasts were usually situated close to a vessel. It is suggested that there is a correlation between the development of the ruffled border and the degree of bone resorption and that osteoclasts without a ruffled border are, at least temporarily, inactive with respect to bone resorption. The numerous cytoplasmic bodies, interpreted as lysosomes, are presumed to be important in the resorption process. The closely adjacent positioning of osteoclasts and vessels may facilitate the transport of resorption products to the blood.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Arey, L.B.: The origin, growth and fate of osteoclasts and their relation to bone resorption. Amer. J. Anat. 26, 315–345 (1920).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bencosme, S.A., Stone, R.S., Latta, H., Madden, S.C.: A rapid method for localization of tissue structures or lesions for electron microscopy. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 5, 508–509 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Biedermann, W.: Physiologie der Stütz- und Skelettsubstanzen. In: Handbuch der vergleichenden Physiologie, S. 319–1188 (Winterstein, H., ed.). Jena: Gustav Fischer 1914.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boothroyd, B.: The problem of demineralisation in thin sections of fully calcified bone. J. Cell Biol. 20, 165–173 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Brody, I.: Keratinization of epidermal cells of normal guinea pig skin as revealed by electron microscopy. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 2, 482–511 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cameron, D.A.: The fine structure of bone and calcified cartilage. Clin. Orthop. 26, 199–228 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cameron, D.A.: The fine structure and function of bone cells. In: The biological basis of medicine, p. 391–423 (Bittar, E.E., Bittar, N., eds.). London and New York: Academic Press 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, R.R., Milgram, J.W., Robinson, R.A.: Morphology of the osteon. J. Bone Jt Surg. A 48, 1239–1271 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cretin, A.: Contribution histochimique a l'étude de la construction et de la destruction osseuse. Presse méd. 59, 1240–1242 (1951).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dodds, G.S.: Osteoclasts and cartilage removal in enchondral ossification of certain mammals. Amer. J. Anat. 50, 97–127 (1932).

    Google Scholar 

  • Doty, S.B., Schofield, H., Robinson, R.A.: The electron microscopic identification of acid phosphatase and adenosintriphosphatase in bone cells following parathyroid extract or thyrocalcitonin administration. In: Parathyroid hormone and thyrocalcitonin (calcitonin), p. 169–181 (Talmage, R.V., Bélanger, L.F., eds.). Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica Foundation 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dudley, H.R., Spiro, D.: The fine structure of bone cells. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 11, 627–649 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fell, H.B.: The histiogenesis of cartilage and bone in the long bones of the embryonic fowl. J. Morph. and Physiol. 40, 417–459 (1925).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-Morán, H.: Applications of a diamond knife for ultrathin sectioning to the study of the fine structure of the biological tissues and metals. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 2, 29–30 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fetter, A.W., Capen, C.C.: The fine structure of bone in the nasal turbinates of young pigs. Anat. Rec. 171, 329–346 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Freilich, L.S.: Ultrastructure and acid phosphatase cytochemistry of odontoclasts: Effects of parathyroid extract. J. dent. Res. 50, 1047–1055 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Furseth, R.: The resorption processes of human deciduous teeth studied by light microscopy, microradiography and electron microscopy. Arch. oral Biol. 13, 417–432 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaillard, P.J.: Parathyroid gland and bone in vitro. VI. Develop. Biol. 1, 152–181 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Galey, F.R., Nilsson, S.E.G.: A new method for transferring sections from the liquid surface of the trough through staining solutions to the supporting film of a grid. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 14, 405–410 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Garner, G.E., Steever, R.G.E.: Treatment of diamond knives with Aerosol OT for uniform wetting of their edges in ultramicrotomy. Stain Technol. 45, 186–187 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldhaber, P.: Behavior of bone in tissue culture. In: Calcfication in biological systems, p. 349–372 (Sognnaes, R.F., ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Ass. f. the Advancement of Science 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonzales, F., Karnovsky, M.J.: Electron microscopy of osteoclasts in healing fractures of rat bone. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 9, 299–316 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ham, A.W.: Some histophysiological problems peculiar to calcified tissues. J. Bone Jt Surg. A 34, 701–728 (1952).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ham, A.W., Gordon, S.D.: Nature of the so-called striated borders of osteoclasts. Anat. Rec. 112, 449 (1952).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hancox, N.M.: On the occurrence in vitro of cells resembling osteoclasts. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 105, 66–71 (1946).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hancox, N.: The osteoclast. In: The biochemistry and physiology of bone, p. 213–250 (Bourne, G., ed.). New York: Academic Press Inc. 1956.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hancox, N.M., Boothroyd, B.: Motion picture and electron microscope studies on the embryonic avian osteoclast. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 11, 651–661 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hancox, N.M., Boothroyd, B.: Structure-function relationships in the osteoclast. In: mechanisms of hard tissue destruction, p. 497–514 (Sognnaes, R.F., ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Association for the Advancement of Science 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, C.M.: Zur Histologie und Histogenese des Knochenmarkes. Arch. Anat. u. Entwickl.-Gesch. 1, 33–70 (1904).

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaffe, H.L.: The resorption of bone. Arch. Surg. 20, 355–385 (1930).

    Google Scholar 

  • Jordan, H.E.: Further evidence concerning the function of osteoclasts. Anat. Rec. 20, 281–295 (1921).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kallio, D.M, Garant, P.R., Minkin, C.: Evidence of coated membranes in the ruffled border of the osteoclast. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 37, 169–177 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kallio, D.M., Garant, P.R., Minkin, C.: Ultrastructural effects of calcitonin on osteoclasts in tissue culture. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 39, 205–216 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kölliker, A.: Die normale Resorption des Knochengewebes. Leipzig: Vogel 1873.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroon, D.B.: The bone-destroying function of the osteoclasts. Acta anat. (Basel) 21, 1–18 (1954).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucht, U.: Acid phosphatase of osteoclasts demonstrated by electron microscopic histochemistry. Histochemie 28, 103–117 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucht, U.: Absorption of peroxidase by osteoclasts as studied by electron microscope histochemistry. Histochemie 29, 274–286 (1972a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucht, U.: Cytoplasmic vacuoles and bodies of the osteoclast: An electron microscope study. Z. Zellforsch. 135, 229–244 (1972b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Luft, J.H.: Improvements in epoxy embedding methods. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 9, 409–414 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, J.H., Matthews, J.L.: Mitochondrial granules in chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteocytes. Clin. Orthop. 68, 273–278 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, J.L.: Ultrastructure of calcifying tissues. Amer. J. Anat. 129, 451–458 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, J.L., Martin, J.H., Collins, E.J.: Intracellular calcium in epithelial, cartilage and bone cells. Calcif. Tiss. Res. Suppl. 4, 37–38 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, E.J., Martin, G.R.: The collagen of bone. Clin. Orthop. 59, 195–232 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Neuman, W.F., Mulryan, B.J., Martin, G.R.: A chemical view of osteoclasis based on studies with yttrium. Clin. Orthop. 17, 124–134 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pease, D.C.: Buffered formaldehyde as a killing agent and primary fixative for electron microscopy. Anat. Rec. 142, 342 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pommer, G.: Ueber die Ostoklastentheorie. Virchows Arch. path. Anat. 92, 296–363 (1883).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen, H., Pechet, M.: Calcitonin and thyrocalcitonin. In: Pharmacology of the endocrine system and related drugs: Parathyroid hormone, thyrocalcitonin and related drugs, p. 237–260 (Rasmussen, H., ed.). New York: Pergamon Press 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, E.S.: The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron-opaque stain in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 17, 208–212 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, R.A., Cameron, D.A.: Bone. In: Electron microscopic anatomy, p. 315–340 (Kurtz, S.M., ed.). New York: Academic Press 1964.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabatini, D.D., Bensch, K., Barrnett, R.J.: Cytochemistry and electron microscopy. The preservation of cellular ultrastructure and enzymatic activity by aldehyde fixation. J. Cell Biol. 17, 19–58 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schenk, R.K., Spiro, D., Wiener, J.: Cartilage resorption in the tibial epiphyseal plate of growing rats. J. Cell Biol. 34, 275–291 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Scherft, J.P.: The lamina limitans of the organic matrix of calcified cartilage and bone. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 38, 318–331 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, B.L.: The occurrence of specific cytoplasmic granules in the osteoclast. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 19, 417–431 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, B.L., Pease, D.C.: Electron microscopy of the epiphyseal apparatus. Anat. Rec. 126, 465–495 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sjöstrand, F.S.: Ultrastructure of retinal rod synapses of the guinea pig eye as revealed by three-dimensional reconstructions from serial sections. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 2, 122–170 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sjöstrand, F.S.: Electron microscopy of cells and tissues. New York and London: Academic Press 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tonna, E.A.: Osteoclasts and the aging skeleton: A cytological, cytochemical and autoradiographic study. Anat. Rec. 137, 251–269 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaes, G.: On the mechanism of bone resorption. The action of parathyroid hormone on the excretion and synthesis of lysosomal enzymes and on the extracellular release of acid by bone cells. J. Cell Biol. 39, 676–697 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaes, G.: Lysosomes and the cellular physiology of bone resorption. In: Lysosomes in biology and pathology, p. 217–253 (Dingle, J.T., Fell, H.B., eds.). Amsterdam: North-Holland Publishing Company 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, M.L.: Staining of tissue sections for electron microscopy with heavy metals. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 4, 475–478 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • Zichner, L.: The effect of calcitonin on bone cells in young rats. An electron microscopic study. Israel J. med. Sci. 7, 359–366 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark

    Ulf Lucht

Authors
  1. Ulf Lucht
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This research was supported by the Danish Research Council. Grant no. 512–727, 512–819 and 512–1545.

I wish to thank Professor Arvid B. Maunsbach for valuable discussions.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lucht, U. Osteoclasts and their relationship to bone as studied by electron microscopy. Z. Zellforsch. 135, 211–228 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00315127

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00315127

Key words

Search

Navigation