Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Osteoclast-Bone Interface In Vivo

Authors

H. Zhou, University of Toronto
R. Chernecky, University of Toronto
J. E. Davies, University of Toronto

Abstract

Rat femoral bones were studied by scanning electron microscopy to demonstrate the morphology of osteoclast- bone matrix interfacial relationships. Two general morphological types of actively resorbing osteoclasts were observed . One cell type was approximately ovoid with highly fimbriated borders, fully attached and closely adapted to the resorption surface. The ruffled border of such cells was composed of a number of individual filopodia which were of uniform , regular shape and approximately 2-3 μm in length and 150 nm in diameter. They were found to penetrate the bone matrix to a depth of 1 μm and interdigitated with the surrounding bone. The other cell type was elongated, covered smaller lining cells, and attached to the bone surface by pseudopodia. The bone-contacting face of pseudopodia formed a network of irregular membranous branches apposed closely to the underlying bone matrix. The results revealed the three dimensional ultrastructure of in situ relationship of osteoclast to bone matrix and necessitate a reinterpretation of the geometry of the secondary lysosome of these cells.

Recommended Citation

Zhou, H.; Chernecky, R.; and Davies, J. E. (1993) "Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Osteoclast-Bone Interface In Vivo," Cells and Materials: Vol. 3: No. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cellsandmaterials/vol3/iss2/2