ISSN:
1432-0827
Keywords:
Human embryonic osteoblasts
;
Alkaline phosphatase
;
Mineralization
;
Matrix vesicles
;
Osteocalcin
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
,
Physics
Notes:
Summary Human osteoblasts were obtained by migration and proliferation of cells from embryonic membranous bone on glass fragments. Light and electron microscopy analyses revealed a typical osteoblast-like appearance with high protein synthesis activity. The cells showed high alkaline phosphatase activity that was associated with plasma membranes and matrix vesicles and was 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] responsive. In contrast to the adult osteoblasts, embryonic cells could not produce detectable levels of osteocalcin, not even in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3. Osteoblasts grown in multilayers produced a thick extracellular matrix, mainly composed of type I collagen, that mineralized in the presence of 10 mM β-glycerophosphate. Because of their intrinsic osteogenic capacity, embryonic osteoblasts represent a valuable model for studying the mineralization process in vitro. In addition, the embryonic origin of these cells renders them a precious experimental system for the elucidation of mechanisms at the basis of differentiation of osteoblastic lineage.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00316880
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