The proliferation and differentiation of the bone-lining cell in estrogen-induced osteogenesis

The purpose of this study was to determine the capacity of the bone-lining cell, which covers most nonremodeling bone surfaces in the adult skeleton, to proliferate and contribute to the rapid endosteal osteogenic response following estrogen treatment in male Japanese quail. In control, untreated birds bone-lining cells cover most of the femoral endosteal surface. Bone-lining cells are thinly extended along bone surfaces, have flat nuclei, and account for about 77% of the cells adjacent to the bone surface. The lineal density of bone surface cells in the controls was about 21 cells/mm of bone surface. By 16-20 h after estrogen administration cells with larger, round nuclei were seen on the bone surface and some of these cells contained a 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) label. Within the first 24 h after estrogen administration the lineal bone surface cell density had increased to about 38 cells/mm. At 20-30 h after estrogen administration, most of the cells adjacent to the bone surface were round. The peak 3H-TdR labeling of cells immediately adjacent to the bone surface occurred about 36 h after estrogen administration. By 48 h the bone surface was covered with osteogenic cells and developing medullary bone. These results suggest that the bone-lining cell in the adult appears to retain some proliferative capability and osteogenic potential. However, because a rapid increase in cell density began prior to the rapid increases in 3H-TdR labeling, as well as the appearance of mitotic figures on the bone surface, another source of cells may have also contributed to the osteogenic response induced by estrogen.     

Effects of estrogen on the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells during the early stage of medullary bone formation in cultured quail bones

Quail bone fragments cultured in the medium containing 17β estradiol (E₂) were examined morphologically. On the endosteal bone surface of bones cultured in serum-containing medium, preosteoblasts were observed and labeled by³H-thymidine after 24 h of culturing. After 48 h of culturing, medullary bones occasionally appeared along the endosteal surface, and their bone surfaces were covered with labeled osteoblasts. These osteoblasts were frequently found when added E₂. On the endosteal bone surface of cultured bones in the serum-free medium alone, bone lining cells were observed and not labeled throughout the culture period. On the endosteal bone surface of bones cultured in the serum-free medium containing E₂, labeled preosteoblasts were seen after 24 and 48 h of culturing. However, osteoblasts did not appear. These findings suggest that estrogen acts directly on the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells.     

Cytology and autoradiography of estrogen-induced differentiation of avian endosteal cells

The endosteal reaction, the initial step in the formation of medullary bone, was investigated in femurs of estrogen-treated male Japanese quail. Morphologically, the endosteal cells were in an undifferentiated state until 30 h after estrogen treatment and showed characteristics resembling those of resting cells. Many preosteoblasts were seen on the endosteum at 33 h, whereas mitotic figures and fully differentiated osteoblasts were recognized at 36 h after estrogen. The mitotic figures were observed among the preosteoblasts on the endosteum. Autoradiographs showed that the number of endosteal cells labeled by [3H]thymidine injected 1 h before sacrifice was maximal 27 h after the estrogen administration and decreased markedly by 30 h. When a single injection of [3H]thymidine was given at 26 h after estrogen, the highest percent of labeled endosteal cells was observed 1 h later (27 h after estrogen). Labeled preosteoblasts and osteoblasts were observed at 7 h (33 h after estrogen) and 10 h (36 h after estrogen), respectively. Our results show that under the influence of estrogen, endosteal cells are induced to maximally synthesize DNA about 27 h after estrogen. These cells appear to modulate into preosteoblasts in about 6 h and then divide via mitosis to become osteoblasts within an additional 3 h. The development of medullary bone induced by estrogen occurs in a sequential and predictable manner, which makes it a useful system for studying basic problems on bone cell differentiation.     

Cytology and autoradiography of estrogen-induced differentiation of avian endosteal cells

Summary The endosteal reaction, the initial step in the formation of medullary bone, was investigated in femurs of estrogen-treated male Japanese quail. Morphologically, the endosteal cells were in an undifferentiated state until 30 h after estrogen treatment and showed characteristics resembling those of resting cells. Many preosteoblasts were seen on the endosteum at 33 h, whereas mitotic figures and fully differentiated osteoblasts were recognized at 36 h after estrogen. The mitotic figures were observed among the preosteoblasts on the endosteum. Autoradiographs showed that the number of endosteal cells labeled by [³H]thymidine injected 1 h before sacrifice was maximal 27 h after the estrogen administration and decreased markedly by 30 h. When a single injection of [³H]thymidine was given at 26 h after estrogen, the highest percent of labeled endosteal cells was observed 1 h later (27 h after estrogen). Labeled preosteoblasts and osteoblasts were observed at 7 h (33 h after estrogen) and 10 h (36 h after estrogen), respectively. Our results show that under the influence of estrogen, endosteal cells are induced to maximally synthesize DNA about 27 h after estrogen. These cells appear to modulate into preosteoblasts in about 6 h and then divide via mitosis to become osteoblasts within an additional 3 h. The development of medullary bone induced by estrogen occurs in a sequential and predictable manner, which makes it a useful system for studying basic problems on bone cell differentiation.     

Distribution of fibroblastic colony-forming cells in rabbit bone marrow and assay of their osteogenic potential by anin vivo diffusion chamber method

Summary Rabbit bone marrow has been separated into core, intermediate, and endosteal cell populations. When plated outin vitro, each of the fractions gave rise to colonies of fibroblastic cells. The colony-forming efficiency increased from the core population by a factor of 4 to a maximum of 3.4 × 10⁻⁶ in the endosteal fraction. The osteogenic potential of each fraction was determined following their implantation in diffusion chambers into host rabbits. Each of the indices of osteogenesis (alkaline phosphatase activity, Ca and P accumulation) were significantly lower in the core population than in the two populations closer to the bone surface. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the osteogenic precursor cells of marrow belong to the fibroblast colony-forming cell fraction, and indicate that these cells, although found throughout the marrow, are concentrated close to the bone surface. Died March 17th, 1983.     

Tamoxifen prevents the skeletal effects of ovarian hormone deficiency in rats

To determine whether the nonsteroidal antiestrogen tamoxifen behaves as either an agonist or antagonist of estrogen on bone, the effects of ovariectomy, 17 beta-estradiol, and tamoxifen were compared on radial growth at the tibial diaphysis in young adult female rats. Ovariectomy and 17 beta-estradiol did not alter serum calcium, phosphate, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Ovariectomy increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in one experiment but not in the other. Tamoxifen increased the serum calcium and phosphate by itself and did not change serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy produced significant increases in medullary area, periosteal bone formation rate, and periosteal bone apposition rate compared to values in sham-operated animals and did not change endosteal bone formation rate. The increase in medullary area resulted from an increase in osteoclast number and resorbing surface length. Although endosteal forming surface length decreased, this was compensated for by an increase in the apposition rate. 17 beta-estradiol and tamoxifen each prevented the increases in bone formation rate and medullary area in ovariectomized rats. Tamoxifen reduced the length of the resorbing surface and osteoclast number to values observed in sham-operated animals. The findings demonstrate that in the rat, tamoxifen acts as an estrogen agonist by preventing the skeletal alterations that result from ovarian hormone deficiency.     

Origins of endothelial and osteogenic cells in the subcutaneous collagen gel implant

The interdependent relationship between vascular endothelial cells and osteoblasts during bone formation and fracture healing has been long appreciated. This paper reports a heterotopic implant model using FGF-2-expanded bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) derived from Tie2eGFP (endothelial marker) and pOBCol3.6GFPcyan or topaz (early osteoblast marker) transgenic mice to appreciate the host/donor relationships of cells participating in the process of heterotopic bone formation. The study included various combinations of Tie2eGFP and pOBCol3.6GFPcyan and topaz transgenics as BMSC or whole bone marrow (WBM) donors and also as recipients. Rat tail collagen was used as a carrier of donor cells and implantation was done in lethally irradiated mice rescued with WBM injection. Development of ossicles in the implants was followed weekly during the 4- to 5-week long post-implantation period. By 4-5 weeks after total body irradiation (TBI) and implantation, a well-formed bone spicule had developed that was invested with bone marrow. Experiments showed absolute dominance of donor-derived cells in the formation of endothelial-lined vessels inside the implants as well as the marrow stromal-derived osteogenic cells. Host-derived fibroblasts and osteogenic cells were confined to the fibrous capsule surrounding the implant. In addition, cells lining the endosteal surface of newly formed marrow space carrying a pOBCol3.6GFP marker were observed that were contributed by WBM donor cells and the host. Thus, FGF-2-expanded BMSC appear to be a source of endothelial and osteogenic progenitor cells capable of eliciting heterotopic bone formation independent of cells from the host. This model should be useful for understanding the interactions between these two cell types that control osteogenic differentiation in vivo.     

Monolayer cultures of normal human bone cells contain multiple subpopulations of alkaline phosphatase positive cells

Summary Cytochemical staining of normal human bone cells in monolayer cultures for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) indicated that the cultures contained mixed-cell populations. Time course evaluations of the cytochemical staining revealed, in addition to the ALP-negative cell population, at least two subpopulations of ALP-positive human bone cells with different levels of ALP. A cytochemical method has been developed which separates the ALP-positive cells into high and intermediate ALP subpopulations. In this method, human bone cells were stained for ALP using an azo-dye method and incubating at 4°C for 10 and 30 minutes, respectively. We defined the cell population that stained positively for ALP at 10 minutes as strong ALP-positive cells, and both strong and intermediate cells were stained at 30 minutes. The intermediate cells were determined from the difference between the values at the two time points. The intra- and interassay variations of the assay, with the same investigator in blinded investigations, were both less than 10% and the interobserver variation was approximately 25%. Analysis of the distribution of ALP levels in cells with a laser densitometer confirmed the presence of at least three cell subpopulations. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment increased the proportions of both ALP-positive cell populations, whereas TGF-beta treatment increased only the intermediate ALP-positive cell population. On the contrary, fluoride increased the proportion of the strong ALP cells, and IGF-1 had no effect on the proportions of either ALP-positive subpopulation. When the ALP-specific activity was compared with the percentage of each ALP-positive subpopulations for the cells treated with effectors, the ALP-specific activity correlated with the total ALP-positive and with the strong ALP-positive populations but not with the intermediate ALP-positive subpopulation. In summary, this study represents the first evidence that normal human bone cells in monolayer cultures contained at least two subpopulations of ALP-positive cells, and that bone cell effectors could have differential effects on each cell population.     

Chondrocytes provide morphogenic signals that selectively induce osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

During endochondral bone development cartilage formation always precedes that of bone, leading to the hypothesis that chondrocytes provide inductive signals for osteogenesis. To test this hypothesis, C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells were cocultured in membrane separated trans-well culture chambers with nonhypertrophic chondrocytes, hypertrophic chondrocytes, calvaria osteoblasts, or tendon fibroblasts derived from embryonic chickens to assess if individual cell types would selectively promote osteogenic differentiation. Then, differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells in coculture were compared with that induced by bone morphogenetic protein 7 or osteogenic protein-1 (BMP-7; OP-1) treatment. Osteogenesis, as determined by the expression of Cbfa1 and osteocalcin (OC) messenger RNAs (mRNAs), was induced strongly in C3H10T1/2 cells cocultured with both chondrocyte cell populations but was not induced by coculture with either osteoblasts or skin fibroblasts. Interestingly, treatment of C3H10T1/2 cells with BMP-7 induced both chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, and only osteogenic differentiation was observed in the C3H10T1/2 cells cocultured with chondrocytes. No alterations in the expression of mRNAs for BMP-1 to -8 were observed in the C3H10T1/2 cells under any of the coculture conditions. This shows that the induction of endogenous BMPs by coculture does not regulate osteogenesis in an autocrine manner. These results show that chondrocytes express soluble morphogenetic factors that selectively promote osteogenesis, and this selective effect is not mimicked by an exogenously added BMP.     

Number of osteoprogenitor cells in human bone marrow markedly decreases after skeletal maturation

Pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells in bone marrow differentiate to osteoblast progenitor cells. When the bone marrow cells are cultured in vitro, they form colony-forming units-fibroblastic (CFU-Fs) with exhibiting osteoblastic features such as expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and formation of calcified nodules ex vivo. This article describes the effect of growth, maturation, and aging of the skeleton on human CFU-Fs harvested from human iliac bone marrow. Human bone marrow cells were harvested from the ilia of 49 women, and were cultured ex vivo for examination. The 49 subjects ranged in age from 4 to 88 years and were without metabolic bone disease. These aspirated bone marrow cells from human ilium exhibited osteoblastic phenotype such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, expression of osteocalcin (OSC) and parathyroid hormone-receptor (PTH-R) mRNA, and the formation of calcified nodules in vitro. The number of ALP-positive CFU-Fs and the ALP activity were quantified. The highest levels of ALP-positive CFU-Fs were observed in the young group, particularly in those under 10 years of age. The levels of ALP-positive CFU-Fs declined sharply after 10 years of age; those above 20 years of age exhibited a lower number of ALP-positive CFU-Fs, with a gradual decline with increasing age. These results indicate that change in the number of ALP-positive CFU-Fs may be associated with skeletal growth and maturation. The results also show that osteoblastic features such as ALP activity and capability of formation of calcification nodules were maintained even in the older subjects. These findings suggest that decreased activity of bone formation in the aged subjects could be, in part, caused by the decreased number of osteoprogenitor cells differentiating into osteoblasts because the number of ALP-positive CFU-Fs was one of the indices exhibiting bone-forming activity in the human marrow stromal cells. Received: July 24, 1998 / Accepted: Dec. 28, 1998     

Enhanced bone formation in large segmental radial defects by combining adipose-derived stem cells expressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 with nHA/RHLC/PLA scaffold

In this study, rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs) were isolated, cultured in vitro, and transfected with recombinant adenovirus vector containing human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Ad-hBMP2). These cells were combined with a nano-hydroxyapatite/recombinant human-like collagen/poly(lactic acid) scaffold (nHA/RHLC/PLA) to fabricate a new biocomposite (hBMP2/rASCs-nHA/RHLC/PLA, group 1) and cultured in osteogenic medium. Non-transfected rASCs mixed with nHA/RHLC/PLA (rASCs-nHA/RHLC/PLA, group 2) and nHA/RHLC/PLA scaffold alone (group 3) served as controls. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrated integration of rASCs with the nHA/RHLC/PLA scaffold. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses of collagen I, osteonectin, and osteopontin cDNA expression indicated that the osteogenic potency of rASCs was enhanced by transfection with Ad-hBMP2. After in vitro culture for seven days, three groups were implanted into 15-mm length critical-sized segmental radial defects in rabbits. After 12 weeks, radiographic and histological analyses were performed. In group 1, the medullary cavity was recanalised, bone was rebuilt and moulding was finished, the bone contour had begun to remodel and scaffold was degraded completely. In contrast, bone defects were not repaired in groups 2 or 3. Furthermore, the scaffold degradation rate in group 1 was significantly higher than in groups 2 or 3. In summary, after transduction with Ad-hBMP2, the osteogenesis of rASCs was enhanced; a new biocomposite created with these cells induced repair of a critical bone defect in vivo in a relatively short time.     

The epitope characterisation and the osteogenic differentiation potential of human fat pad-derived stem cells is maintained with ageing in later life

Some clinical settings are deficient in osteogenic progenitors, e.g. atrophic nonunited fractures, large bone defects, and regions of scarring and osteonecrosis. These benefit from the additional use of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, but these cells exhibit an age-related decline in lifespan, proliferation and osteogenic potential. Therapeutic approaches for the repair of bone could be optimised by the identification of a stem cell source that does not show age-related changes. Fat pad-derived stem cells are capable of osteogenesis, but a detailed study of the effect of ageing on their epitope profile and osteogenic potential has so far not been performed.Fat pad-derived cells were isolated from 2 groups of 5 patients with a mean age of 57 years (S.D. 3 years) and 86 years (S.D. 3 years). The proliferation, epitope profile and osteogenic differentiation potential of cells from the 2 groups were compared. Cells isolated from the fat pad of both groups showed similar proliferation rates and exhibited a cell surface epitope profile similar but not identical to that of bone marrow-derived stem cells. The cells from both groups cultured in osteogenic medium exhibited osteogenesis as shown by a significant upregulation of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin genes, and significantly greater alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity compared to cells cultured in the control medium. The cells cultured in the osteogenic medium also showed greater calcium phosphate deposition on alizarin red staining. There was no significant difference between the osteogenic potential of the two age groups for any of the parameters studied.The fat pad is a consistent and homogenous source of stem cells that exhibits osteogenic differentiation potential with no evidence of any decline with ageing in later life. This has many potential therapeutic tissue engineering applications for the repair of bone defects in an increasingly ageing population.     

Inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been shown to differentiate into osteoblasts that, in turn, are capable of forming tissues analogous to bone. The present study was designed to investigate the inhibition of osteogenesis by hMSCs. Bone marrow-derived hMSCs were treated with transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGFbeta3) at various doses during or after their differentiation into osteogenic cells. TGFbeta3 was encapsulated in poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and released via controlled delivery in the osteogenic culture of hMSCs and hMSC-derived osteoblasts for up to 28 days. Controlled release of TGFbeta3 inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, as evidenced by significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and staining, as well as decreased mineral deposition. After hMSCs had been differentiated into osteoblasts, controlled release of TGFbeta3 further inhibited not only alkaline phosphatase and mineral deposition but also osteocalcin expression. These findings demonstrate the potential for sustained modulation of the behavior of stem cells and/or stem cell-derived lineage-specific cells via controlled release of growth factor(s). The attenuation of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs may facilitate understanding not only the regulation and patterning of osteogenesis in development but also several pathological models such as osteopetrosis, craniosynostosis, and heart valve calcification.     

The osteogenic potential of culture-expanded rat marrow mesenchymal cells assayed in vivo in calcium phosphate ceramic blocks

When whole marrow is introduced into porous calcium phosphate ceramic, bone forms on the walls of the pores. As an extension of earlier studies, bone marrow cells derived from the femora of inbred rats were introduced into tissue culture, and the adherent cells were cultivated, mitotically expanded, subcultured, harvested, placed in small cubes of porous calcium phosphate ceramic, and grafted into subcutaneous sites of syngeneic rats. Primary marrow-derived, cultured mesenchymal cells introduced into ceramic showed strong osteogenic potential, with bone forming in the pore regions of ceramic as early as two weeks after in vivo implantation; cartilage was observed infrequently in pores that appeared to be avascular. Osteogenesis could be observed after the 18th subculture (over 36 population doublings) when the cells were tested in ceramic at subcutaneous sites, whereas chondrogenesis was observed with only the first and second subcultured cells in the ceramic delivery vehicle. With increasing numbers of subcultures, the initiation of osteogenesis and the apparent rate of bone formation declined, and the course of osteogenesis was delayed. Cultured, marrow-derived mesenchymal cells, even after the 21st subculture (over 40 population doublings), exhibited a positive histochemical reaction for alkaline phosphatase. However, the in vivo osteogenic potential of these cells was not correlated with their alkaline phosphatase activity. The implantation of cell pellets or the injection of cell suspensions of fresh or cultured, adherent marrow cells never produced bone or cartilage in heterotopic sites. These data indicate that porous ceramic provides an excellent delivery vehicle for cells that are capable of osteogenic expression and suggest that the composite graft of marrow-derived mesenchymal cells and porous ceramic may be useful for repair of massive bone defects. It may be possible to culture marrow mesenchymal cells as a source for reparative cells for implantation back into autogeneic sites.     

双向诱导的骨髓基质干细胞体外成骨与成血管的实验研究

目的 探讨双向诱导的骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)形成内皮细胞、成骨细胞与BMSCs共存体系的体外成骨与成血管的能力.方法 采用密度梯度离心法分离培养兔BMSCs.贴壁细胞分为四组:A组(单纯的BMSCs组)、B组(成骨诱导的BMSCs组)、C绀(内皮诱导的BMSCs组)和D组(双向诱导的BMSCs组).通过倒置相差显微镜观察细胞形态学变化,并采用流式细胞仪检测诱导前后的细胞表面抗原,采用茜素红染色观察钙结节,基质胶成血管法观察四组细胞体外成血管的能力.结果 ①经流式细胞学检测,分离培养的BMSCs主要表达CD90、CD105和CD44;BMSCs向内皮细胞诱导1周后,细胞表面抗原CD34和CD133的表达升高,而CD90和CD105的表达减少,相比诱导前差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);BMSCs继续向成骨细胞诱导1周后,细胞表面抗原CD44和HLA-DR升高,相比诱导前差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).②茜素红染色结果显示D组的钙结节大于B组,而A组和C组未见钙结节形成.③体外血管新生试验中,C组的管道数目与面积大于D组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),而A组与B组未见管道形成.结论 BMSCs双向诱导形成内皮细胞、成骨细胞与BMSCs共存体系,在体外共培养过程中不仅可以形成钙结节,而且可以形成微血管,有利于骨组织和血管联合构建,是一种良好的构建组织工程骨的种子细胞.     

Expression of growth hormone receptor by immunocytochemistry in rat molar root formation and alveolar bone remodeling

Summary Growth hormone (GH) may regulate tooth formation and bone remodeling associated with tooth eruption. This study reports the distribution of growth hormone receptor/binding protein in developing rat molars and adjacent alveolar bone by immunocytochemistry using well-characterized anti-growth hormone receptor monoclonal antibodies. These tissues represent an excellent model for studying the ontogenic changes that occur in odontogenic and osteogenic cells, as these cells are found in linear arrays displaying the various stages of morphological and functional differention, and differentiated function. Immunoreactivity was first seen in precementoblasts in contact with the epithelial root sheath, and preodontoblasts. However, growth hormone receptor immunoreactivity was associated primarily with the cytoplasm of odontogenic and osteogenic cells forming their respective matrices. Thus, cementoblasts and odontoblasts at sites of new matrix formation showed intense immunoreactivity whereas cementocytes and mature odontoblasts at later stages of tooth development were nonreactive. Osteoblasts engaged in intramembranous ossification in the alveolar bone were positive, although osteocytes and endosteal cells were immunonegative. Osteoclasts at sites of alveolar bone remodeling resorption were also immunopositive. These patterns of receptor expression parallel the ontogenic sequences of odontogenic and osteogenic cells and suggest that GH promotes the functional state of these cells. Our results also imply that GH may influence differentiation or differentiated functions associated with odontogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone remodeling independent of systemic insulin-like GF-I.     

Terminal differentiation of osteogenic cells in the embryonic chick tibia is revealed by a monoclonal antibody against osteocytes

Monoclonal antibodies against the surface of embryonic osteogenic cells have been used to characterize the sequence of transitions involved in the osteoblastic cell lineage. These previous data identified distinct cell stages within the osteogenic lineage, but were incomplete. To further refine and extend these observations, additional monoclonal antibodies were generated against the surface of osteogenic cells by immunizing mice with a heterogeneous population of chick embryonic bone cells. Supernatants from growing hybridoma colonies were immunohistochemically screened against frozen sections of stage 35 (day 9.5) chick tibiae. One cell line, SB-5, which secretes an antibody against the surface of osteogenic cells was successfully cloned, stabilized, and immortalized. Studies on the developmental progression of osteogenesis in the embryonic chick tibia reveal that cells within the lineage stages from Pre-Osteoblast to Secretory Osteoblast were never observed to react with antibody SB-5 at any time. By contrast, strong cell surface immunoreactivity was present on mature osteoblastic cells as they became Osteocytes. Furthermore, in cultures of osteogenic cells derived from embryonic calvaria or tibiae, cells possessing the SB-5 antigen on their surface displayed a morphology remarkably similar to that of Osteocytes found in situ. Double immunofluorescent staining of developing chick tibiae with SB-5 and SB-2, a monoclonal antibody directed against the surface of Secretory Osteoblasts, indicates that these cells proceed through an intermediate lineage step before becoming terminally differentiated Osteocytes. This transitory cell state is characterized by the simultaneous cell surface binding of antibodies SB-2 and SB-5, and is referred to as the Osteocytic Osteoblast stage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)