Congenital angular deformity of the tibia in chick embryo induced by ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate (EHDP)

Congenital angular deformity of the tibia (CADT) is one of the classic inborn errors. The treatment of the disease is very difficult because of insufficient clinical and experimental data and lack of complete experimental model of the disease. The present study is designed to establish a new experimental model of CADT. In vivo experiment: Only one injection of ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) (4 X 10(-2)-4 X 10(-1) mumol/g egg wt.) was given into the yolk sac of fertile white leghorn egg at 8 days of incubation. The skeletal deformities of the chick embryos were examined during the period of EHDP-administration until hatching. Furthermore, the effect of EHDP was compared with that of its analogs (dichloromethylene diphosphonate: Cl2MDP and inorganic pyrophosphate: PPi) in a similar manner. In vitro experiment: Tibiae from 9-day-old chick embryos were cultured at 37 degrees C for 6 days by roller-tube method in the medium containing EHDP, Cl2MDP or PPi at concentrations of 4-400 microM to measure dry weight and calcium content of the tibiae. The results are summarized as follows. Angular deformity of the tibia in chick embryo was produced in vivo specifically by EHDP-administration compared to its analogs. There existed the critical stage of bone development and the critical dose of EHDP-administration to induce angular deformity of the tibia. The incidence and the severity of the tibial bowing depended on the dose of EHDP-administration. The thinning of periosteal bone collar and retardation of primary bone marrow formation were observed in EHDP-administered tibia. According to 3H-thymidine autoradiographic study, EHDP inhibited DNA synthesis of osteoblast by about 58% after 2 days of administration. The DNA synthesis of chondrocyte was also inhibited by about 20% after 2 days of EHDP-administration. EHDP had a more inhibitory effect on calcification of chick embryonic tibiae than Cl2MDP and PPi at concentration of 40 microM without influencing the dry weight of tibiae in vitro. This new experimental model of CADT offers a significant possibility to elucidate the etiology of this disease.     

Effect of diphosphonates and calcitonin on the chemistry and quantitative histology of rat bone

Young male rats were treated with one of three diphosphonates, disodium ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP), disodium dichloromethylene-diphosphonate (Cl₂MDP), or disodium methane-1-cyclohexyl-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (MCHDP), or with porcine calcitonin. Changes in the length weight, calcium, phosphorus, and ash of the femora and in plasma calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Bone formation rate was measured histologically in the tibial diaphysis using tetracycline markers. The lower dose (0.01–1mg P/kg/day s.c.) of the phosphonates, which block immobilization osteoporosis and reduce bone turnover measured by⁴⁵Ca kinetics, did not cause marked changes in the composition of the femora or in plasma values. This suggests that, at these doses in intact animals, the diphosphonates similarly reduce both resorption and mineralization rates. Higher doses of EHDP and MCHDP (10 or 30 mg P/kg/day s.c.) impaired bone growth both in length and width and inhibited mineralization of new cartilage and osteoid. The total calcium content of the bones decreased but the plasma values remained unchanged. Cl₂MDP did not impair mineralization at equivalent doses. EHDP, unlike Cl₂MDP, therefore seems to have two effects on bone. At lower doses it reduces bone turnover rate; but at higher doses it also directly prevents the full mineralization of new matrix. This difference between the effects of EHDP and Cl₂MDP may be important.     

The effect of long-term low-dose diphosphonate treatment on rat bone

Weaning, male rats were given ethane-1-hydroxy 1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) or dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) 0.5 mgP/kg/day for 140 days. Samples prepared after sacrifice were: (1) thin ground (30 micrometers) transverse tibial sections, (2) methacrylate-embedded 5 micrometers sections of the proximal tibial metaphysis, and (3) ultrathin calcified metaphyseal sections for electron microscopy. Cl2MDP reduced the diaphyseal medullary cavity, and EHDP increased the osteoid width. Both drugs increased endosteal bone apposition (possible secondarily to the impaired resorption) and, perhaps as a result, periosteal apposition was increased. Consequently, diaphyseal bone area was unchanged. Metaphyseal bone area was increased and osteoclast numbers reduced, in contrast to the increased osteoclast numbers reported previously in animal experiments with diphosphonates. Acid phosphatase activity within osteoclasts was markedly reduced with EDHP and unchanged with Cl2MDP. The ultrastructural changes in osteoclasts, i.e., a deficiency of ruffled borders, reduced numbers of cytoplasmic vacuoles and the presence of crystals between bone and the osteoclastic plasmalemma, were more marked with EHDP than Cl2MDP.     

Nature of phosphate substrate as a major determinant of mineral type formed in matrix vesicle-mediated in vitro mineralization: An FTIR imaging study

Membrane-bound extracellular matrix vesicles play an important role in the de novo initiation and propagation of calcium–phosphate mineral formation in calcifying cartilage, bone, dentin, and in pathologic calcification. Characterization of the phase, composition, crystal size, and perfection provides valuable insight into the mechanism of the mineral deposition. In the present study, Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) was used to characterize the mineral phase generated during MV-mediated in vitro mineralization. FT-IRIS studies revealed that the mineral phase associated with MVs calcified in the presence of AMP and β-GP was always found to be crystalline hydroxyapatite while with ATP only a small amount of immature mineral, most likely an amorphous or poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite, was observed. Low concentrations of pyrophosphate (PPi) (< or = 0.01 mM) showed apatitic mineral while high concentrations showed immature calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD). The implications of these findings are that (a) hydrolysis of AMP or β-GP, monophosphoester substrates of MV-5′ AMPase (substrate: AMP) and TNAP (substrates: AMP, β-GP), yields orthophosphate (Pi) which leads to the formation of mature crystalline, apatite mineral, while the hydrolysis of ATP, substrate for MV-TNAP or ATPase or NPP1, inhibits the formation of mature hydroxyapatite, and (b) pyrophosphate (PPi) has a bimodal effect on mineralization, i.e., at low PPi concentrations, alkaline phosphatase activity of matrix vesicles is able to hydrolyze PPi to orthophosphate and thus facilitates the formation of basic calcium phosphate mineral which subsequently transforms into apatitic mineral. We hypothesize that, at high PPi concentrations, PPi by itself or Pi released by partial PPi hydrolysis could act as inhibitors of alkaline phosphatase activity, thereby preventing complete hydrolysis of PPi to Pi, and thus resulting in the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. Therefore, in order for physiological mineralization to proceed, a balance is required between levels of Pi and PPi.     

Inhibition of 1,25-(OH)2D3- and 24,25-(OH)2D3-dependent stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity by A23187 suggests a role for calcium in the mechanism of vitamin D regulation of chondrocyte cultures.

This study used the ionophore, A23187, to examine the hypothesis that the regulation of alkaline phosphatase and phospholipase A2 activity by vitamin D3 metabolites in cartilage cells is mediated by changes in calcium influx. Confluent, fourth-passage cultures of growth zone and resting zone chondrocytes from the costochondral cartilage of 125 g rats were incubated with 0.01-10 microM A23187. Specific activities of alkaline phosphatase and phospholipase A2 were measured in the cell layer and in isolated plasma membranes and matrix vesicles. There was an inhibition of alkaline phosphatase specific activity at 0.1 microM A23187 in resting zone cells and at 0.1 and 1 microM in growth zone chondrocytes. At these concentrations of ionophore, the 45Ca content of the chondrocytes was shown to increase. Both the plasma membrane and matrix vesicle enzyme activities were inhibited. There was no effect of ionophore on matrix vesicle or plasma membrane phospholipase A2 in either cell type. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase activity is stimulated when growth zone chondrocytes are incubated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 and in resting zone cells incubated with 24,25-(OH)2D3. Phospholipase A2 activity is differentially affected depending on the metabolite used and the cell examined. Addition of ionophore to cultures preincubated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 or 24,25-(OH)2D3 blocked the stimulation of alkaline phosphatase by the vitamin D3 metabolites in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of ionophore were not due to a direct effect on the membrane enzymes since enzyme activity is isolated membranes incubated with A23187 in vitro was unaffected. These results suggest a role for calcium in the action of vitamin D metabolites on chondrocyte membrane enzyme activity but indicate that mechanisms other than merely Ca2+ influx per se are involved.     

Effect of ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) and dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) on the calcification and resorption of cartilage and bone in the tibial epiphysis and metaphysis of rats

Young male rats (70–90 g) were treated for various periods with several doses of disodium ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) or disodium dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl₂MDP). Effects of treatment on the changes in the thickness, growth and mineralization of proximal growth plate and metaphysis of the tibia were assessed histologically and by micro-radiography. High doses (10 or 30 mg P/kg/day) of EHDP impaired mineralization of the growth cartilage, which became increased in thickness, and of the osteoid in the metaphysis and diaphysis. Matrix formation continued, although at a diminished rate. High doses (10 or 30 mg P/kg/day) of Cl₂MDP produced a different effect. There was no inhibition of mineralization, but there was a marked impairment of normal metaphyseal remodelling, with persistence of columns of calcified cartilage. Resorption at the periosteal surface in the metaphysis was also inhibited, so that the metaphysis became club-shaped. Osteoclasts were present in large numbers in the metaphysis, but their appearance was abnormal and similar to that seen in human osteopetrosis.     

Treatment of Paget's disease of bone with ethane-1, hydroxy-1,1 diphosphonate (EHDP) at a low dosage (5 mg/kg/day)

Paget's disease of bone in 51 patients was treated with ethane-1, hydroxy-1,1 diphosphonate (EHDP) for six months at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/day. Clinically, the analgesic effect on bone pain is clear, with parallel reduction in radioisotope uptake observed by quantitative bone scintigraphy. There is also a reduction of about 70% of the excess level of serum alkaline phosphatase and total 24-hour urinary hydroxyproline. Histologically, there is a significant reduction in both the osteoclastic resorption surfaces and the number of osteoclasts. In contrast to that obtained by calcitonin, these clinical, biologic, and histologic changes continue for at least one year beyond the end of the treatment. That is the main characteristic of this treatment, of which the clinical and biologic tolerance is admittedly very satisfactory. Accumulation of osteoid tissue, which is indicative of a mineralization defect, does not appear at low dosages under the prescribed conditions. EHDP (5 mg/kg/day) can be regarded as effective treatment for some patients with Paget's disease of bone.     

Matrix vesicles in chicken epiphyseal cartilage. Separation from lysosomes and the distribution of inorganic pyrophosphatase activity

Summary The extracellular matrix vesicles from epiphyseal cartilage of chickens were isolated by differential centrifugation. The matrix vesicles obtained showed considerable activity of lysosomal enzymes. This appears to have been due to lysosomal contamination because when we used a new density gradient medium (Percoll?), the lysosomal enzyme activities and the activity of alkaline phosphatase could be totally separated. Electron microscopy of the alkaline phosphatase-rich fraction showed matrix vesicle-like structures. Phosphatase activities of the cells and matrix vesicles were further studied by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. Specific magnesium-activated inorganic pyrophosphatase, distinct from nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, could be demonstrated in the cellular fraction. No such separate activity could be demonstrated in the matrix vesicle fraction, and it is supposed that the pyrophosphatase activity in the matrix vesicles originates from the alkaline phosphatase.     

Isolation and characterization of a metalloprotease associated with chicken epiphyseal cartilage matrix vesicles

A metalloprotease has been isolated from matrix vesicles of chicken epiphyseal cartilage and subsequently characterized. Matrix vesicles obtained by collagenase digestion and differential centrifugation were further purified by Sepharose CL2B gel filtration. The protease was solubilized from the vesicles by treatment with deoxycholate and freeze-thawing, and then isolated by Sephadex G150 gel filtration. Disc electrophoresis of the enzyme, which displayed protease activity toward azocasein substrate, gave a single protein band. Based on molecular weight (MW) determination, lack of immunocross reactivity, and differences in electrophoretic migration, there is little possibility of any contamination with external protease from the commercial collagenase used for vesicle preparation. The matrix vesicle protease had a MW of 33,000 and a pH optimum of 7.2 and was completely inhibited by 0.1 mM EDTA and 0.2 mM o-phenanthroline. alpha 2-Macroglobulin, ovalbumin, cysteine, penicillamine, ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate (EHDP) and pyrophosphate at higher concentrations were also inhibitory. The inhibition by omicron-phenanthroline was reversed by Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+. Protease activity was most abundant in the heavy fraction of matrix vesicles fractionated by discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Release of this protease at the calcifying front could degrade noncollagenous protein moieties that inhibit precipitation of minerals in the extravesicular matrix and thus facilitate mineralization.     

Boen remodelingin vitro: The effects of two diphosphonates on osteoid synthesis and bone resorption in mouse calvaria

Two Diphosphonates, ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) and dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl₂MDP) inhibitin vitro bone resorption, which is either stimulated by parathyroid hormone or intrinsic in a bone remodeling culture system. While Cl₂MDP is more effective than EHDP in inhibiting resorption, it also appears to result in a related diminution in osteoid formation. This effect causes a marked biochemical and morphological depression of bone remodelling with Cl₂MDP at a concentration equivalent to 10-μg-phosphorus/ml of culture medium. The difference in activity between EHDP and Cl₂MDP may be related to their relative affinities for the bone mineral surfaces and hence their effective free concentration in the bone extracellular fluid. It is hypothesized that diphosphonates may also affect bone formation indirectly if one assumes that the degree of mineralization of the matrix is important in the induction and regulation of osteoblastic activity in remodelling bone.     

The effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on the mineralization defect in disodium etidronate-treated Paget's disease--a double-blind randomized clinical study

A double-blind randomized study of 29 patients with symptomatic Paget's disease was conducted comparing the clinical, biochemical, and histomorphometric responses to 3-month treatment with placebo (10 patients), low-dose disodium etidronate (EHDP) (5-7 mg/kg/day) (10 patients), and low-dose EHDP plus 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha D3) 0.5 mcg daily (9 patients). In placebo-treated patients no significant changes were observed in symptoms, biochemistry, or bone histomorphometry. Histologically apparent mineralization defects developed after 3 months of therapy in 90% of patients in the EHDP group, compared with 45% of patients in the EHDP/1 alpha D3 group. In 19% of the patients treated with active medication, the mineralization defects in pagetic bone were accompanied by histological evidence of continued osteoclastic resorption. The development of mineralization defects was not related to serum levels of vitamin D metabolites, alkaline phosphatase, or intestinal calcium absorption but did correlate with the occurrence of hyperphosphatemia during treatment, which was most marked in patients treated with EHDP alone. Although mineralization defects were less frequent in the EHDP/1 alpha D3 group, these patients also responded less well symptomatically, thus limiting the potential usefulness of this drug combination in Paget's disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate on ectopic bone formation induced by murine osteosarcoma-derived bone-inducing substance

The effects of ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) on ectopic bone formation were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in an experimental system for ectopic bone formation induced by murine osteosarcoma-derived bone-inducing substance. At a low dose of EHDP (3 mg/kg per day i.p.), histologic sequelae of ectopic bone formation were normal, and the size of the induced bone mass was unaffected. At a high dose of EHDP (30 mg/kg per day i.p.), an unmineralized bone matrix with hematopoietic bone marrow was formed without evidence of retardation. This osteoid tissue showed no radiologic and histologic evidence of mineralization during the period of EHDP administration. When EHDP was withdrawn, its inhibitory effect on mineralization was reversed. The induced bone mass was almost the same size as that in controls. These results suggest that EHDP might not prevent ectopic bone matrix formation, but its mineralization and withdrawal of EHDP might lead to the formation of a normal bone similar in size to that formed without EHDP treatment.     

The deposition of calcium pyrophosphate and phosphate by matrix vesicles isolated from fetal bovine epiphyseal cartilage

Summary Since calcium (Ca) deposition by isolated fetal bovine matrix vesicles is selectively supported by nucleoside triphosphate, and since the Ca deposits appear to be amorphous by transmission electron microscopy [1], attempts were made to study further the nature of these Ca deposits. Calcification of isolated matrix vesicles was allowed to occur in a calcifying medium in which either inorganic phosphate (Pi) or [γ-P]ATP was labeled with³²P.³²P in Ca P (pyrophosphate) deposits were analyzed by a Dowex 1×10 anion exchange chromatography. The results of the analysis indicate that the (³²P) radioactivity was mainly associated with Pi when Pi in the calcifying media was labeled with³²P. In contrast,³²P was found to be associated with inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) when [γ-³²P]ATP was used. Using a specific enzyme coupling assay for PPi, the presence of PPi in the Ca deposits was demonstrated. The amounts of Pi and PPi in the Ca deposits initiated by fetal calf matrix vesicles were found to be approximately equal. To exclude the possibility that the major part of PPi of Ca P deposit existed as adsorbed form, the deposition was performed under the conditions in which Pi was omitted from calcifying medium. The results of these experiments showed that substantial amount of PPi and Ca deposits remained the same and was not correlated to the amount of Pi in these deposits. In contrast, Pi of CaP was decreased if Pi was omitted from the calcifying medium. Thus, it appears that the major portion of PPi exists as mineral rather than adsorbed form. The moles of Ca deposited were approximately equal to the sum of moles Pi and PPi deposited. Levamisole at 10 mM inhibited 70% of ATPase (specific release of³²Pi from [γ-³²P]ATP at pH 7.6) activity, 18% of Ca deposition, and 34% of Pi deposition during 3 hours of incubation. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP) at 1 mM exerted earlier and greater inhibition on Ca and P (Pi and PPi) deposition than did 10 mM levamisole. Adenosine (1 mM) had little effect on Ca P deposition. Prolonged incubations which allowed enzymatic degradation of ADP and AMP substantially reduced the ADP and AMP inhibition. Levamisole was able to potentiate the AMP and ADP inhibition since it prevents further breakdown of AMP or ADP by alkaline phosphatase. Thus, we concluded that alkaline phosphate is not the major factor in thein vitro Ca P deposition by fetal bovine matrix vesicles. Instead, it appears that nucleoside trisphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase is directly involved in the early stages of deposition since both the enzyme and Ca P deposition were inhibited by AMP or ADP. The possible involvement of ATP phyophosphohydrolase in chondrocalcinosis is suggested.     

The binding of pyrophosphate and two diphosphonates by hydroxyapatite crystals

The binding on hydroxyapatite has been studied of inorganic pyrophosphate (PP_j) and two diphosphonates, disodium ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) and disodium dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl₂MDP). The binding is greatest for PP_i, less for EHDP and least for Cl₂MDP. The binding of all three is accompanied by a release of orthophosphate into the solution and an uptake of calcium by the crystals. A competition exists between EHDP and PP_i, EHDP being more potent in displacing PP_i than the reverse. An analysis with Scatchard plots suggests that the binding is not restricted to one class of binding sites with equal affinity and that the affinity of the first site is in the order EHDP>PP_i>Cl₂MDP. The results correlate well with previous data on the effect of these compounds on apatite crystal formation and dissolutionin vitro and on bone formation and resorptionin vivo To Prof. F. Leuthardt to his 70th birthday.     

A dominant negative cadherin inhibits osteoblast differentiation.

We have previously indicated that human osteoblasts express a repertoire of cadherins and that perturbation of cadherin-mediated cell-cell interaction reduces bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity. To test whether inhibition of cadherin function interferes with osteoblast function, we expressed a truncated N-cadherin mutant (NCaddeltaC) with dominant negative action in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. In stably transfected clones, calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion was decreased by 50%. Analysis of matrix protein expression during a 4-week culture period revealed that bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and type I collagen were substantially inhibited with time in culture, whereas osteopontin transiently increased. Basal alkaline phosphatase activity declined in cells expressing NCaddeltaC, relative to control cells, after 3 weeks in culture, and their cell proliferation rate was reduced moderately (17%). Finally, 45Ca uptake, an index of matrix mineralization, was decreased by 35% in NCaddeltaC-expressing cells compared with control cultures after 4 weeks in medium containing ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate. Similarly, BMP-2 stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity and bone sialoprotein and osteopontin expression also were curtailed in NCaddeltaC cells. Therefore, expression of dominant negative cadherin results in decreased cell-cell adhesion associated with altered bone matrix protein expression and decreased matrix mineralization. Cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion is involved in regulating the function of bone-forming cells.     

Focal mineralization defect during disodium etidronate treatment of calcinosis

Summary The use of disodium etidronate (EHDP) for the treatment of calcinosis is complicated by the threat of drug-induced inhibition of skeletal mineralization. Adults with Paget's disease of bone treated for 6 months with 10–20 mg/kg/day of EHDP have been reported to show both a marked delay in mineralization and a diffuse excess of unmineralized bone matrix. Drug-induced bone disease is, however, a function of growth as well as of the dose and duration of therapy. Therefore, children treated with EHDP may respond differently to the drug-induced mineralization defect. A 10-year-old girl with dermatomyositis developed incapacitating ectopic calcification. After 9 months of therapy with 12 mg/kg/Day of EHDP, a small decrease in the calcinosis was accompanied by a dramatic increase in joint mobility. Bone mineral content of the radial diaphysis showed a failure to gain mineral density as expected with prepubertal growth (8 cm/year). Bone biopsy revealed a patchy excess of osteoid. Although the percentage of osteoid surface labeled by tetracycline was reduced, normal mineralization was evident in the double-labeled areas. In children, the mineralization defect occurring with EHDP treatment may be focal.     

Isolation and characterization of a metalloprotease associated with chicken epiphyseal cartilage matrix vesicles

Matrix vesicles are present in the calcifying front and in the site of callus formation of fracture heeling. In calcifying process, matrix vesicles have important roles. The metalloprotease was isolated from matrix vesicles and subsequently characterized. Matrix vesicles obtained from chicken epiphysial cartilage by collagenase digestion and differential centrifugation were further purified by Sepharose CL2B gel filtration. The protease was solubilized from the vesicles and isolated by Sephadex G-150 gel filtration. Disc electrophoresis of the enzyme gave a single protein band. The matrix vesicle protease had a MW of 33,000 daltons, an optimal pH of 7.2, and was inhibited 100% by 0.1 mM EDTA and 0.2 mM o-Phenanthroline. alpha 2-Macroglobulin, ovalbumin, cysteine, penicillamine, ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate (EHDP) and pyrophosphate at higher concentrations were also inhibitory. The inhibition by o-phenanthroline was reversed by Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Cu2+. The protease released from the matrix vesicle at the calcifying front could degrade non-collagenous protein moieties which inhibit precipitation of minerals in the extra-vesicular matrix and thus facilitate mineralization.     

Differential response of bone cells isolated by sequential digestion to dichloromethylenebisphonate in culture

Dichloromethylenebisphosphonate (Cl2-MBP), a compound structurally related to inorganic pyrophosphate but resistant to hydrolysis of endogenous phosphatase to yield inorganic phosphate, inhibits bone resorption and soft tissue mineralization in vivo. Previously, we have shown that bone cells isolated from rat calvaria respond profoundly to the exposure of Cl2MBP. To determine whether the cellular effects evoked by Cl2MBP are confined to a particular bone cell type, calvaria from 1 day postnatal rats were subjected to a sequential time-dependent enzyme digestion, yielding five bone cell populations marked by differences in PTH response, alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen, as well as hyaluronic acid synthesis. Culturing these bone cell populations with Cl2MBP revealed that previously observed results found with mixed bone cells (inhibition of cell proliferation, diminution of hyaluronic acid synthesis, and increase in alkaline phosphatase) were limited to cell populations which, according to the isolation scheme, stem from the outer tissue layer(s) of the calvaria. Collagen synthesis, however, was found to be equally increased regardless of cell type. These present results indicate that the action of Cl2MBP on bone may be cell specific.     

Functional differences between growth plate apoptotic bodies and matrix vesicles.

Mineralization often occurs in areas of apoptotic changes. Our findings indicate that physiological mineralization is mediated by matrix vesicles. These matrix vesicles use mechanisms to induce mineralization that are different from the mechanisms used by apoptotic bodies released from apoptotic cells. Therefore, different therapeutic approaches must be chosen to inhibit pathological mineralization depending on the mechanism of mineralization (matrix vesicles versus apoptotic bodies). INTRODUCTION: Physiological mineralization in growth plate cartilage is restricted to regions of terminally differentiated and apoptotic chondrocytes. Pathological mineralization of tissues also often occurs in areas of apoptosis. We addressed the question of whether apoptotic changes control mineralization events or whether both events are regulated independently. METHODS: To induce mineralization, we treated growth plate chondrocytes with retinoic acid (RA); apoptosis in these cells was induced by treatment with staurosporine, anti-Fas, or TNFalpha. The degrees of mineralization and apoptosis were determined, and the structure and function of matrix vesicles and apoptotic bodies were compared. RESULTS: Release of matrix vesicles and mineralization in vivo in the growth plate occurs earlier than do apoptotic changes. To determine the functional relationship between apoptotic bodies and matrix vesicles, growth plate chondrocytes were treated with RA to induce matrix vesicle release and with staurosporine to induce release of apoptotic bodies. After 3 days, approximately 90% of staurosporine-treated chondrocytes were apoptotic, whereas only 2-4% of RA-treated cells showed apoptotic changes. RA- and staurosporine-treated chondrocyte cultures were mineralized after 3 days. Matrix vesicles isolated from RA-treated cultures and apoptotic bodies isolated from staurosporine-treated cultures were associated with calcium and phosphate. However, matrix vesicles were bigger than apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, matrix vesicles but not apoptotic bodies contained alkaline phosphatase and Ca2+ channel-forming annexins II, V, and VI. Consequently, matrix vesicles but not apoptotic bodies were able to take up Ca2+ and form the first mineral phase inside their lumen. Mineralization of RA-treated cultures was inhibited by antibodies specific for annexin V but not mineralization of staurosporine-treated cultures. CONCLUSION: Physiological mineralization of growth plate chondrocytes is initiated by specialized matrix vesicles and requires alkaline phosphatase and annexins. In contrast, mineral formation mediated by apoptotic bodies occurs by a default mechanism and does not require alkaline phosphatase and annexins.     

The Role of Phosphatases in the Initiation of Skeletal Mineralization

Endochondral ossification is a carefully orchestrated process mediated by promoters and inhibitors of mineralization. Phosphatases are implicated, but their identities and functions remain unclear. Mutations in the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) gene cause hypophosphatasia, a heritable form of rickets and osteomalacia, caused by an arrest in the propagation of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals onto the collagenous extracellular matrix due to accumulation of extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (PP_i), a physiological TNAP substrate and a potent calcification inhibitor. However, TNAP knockout (Alpl ^–/– ) mice are born with a mineralized skeleton and have HA crystals in their chondrocyte- and osteoblast-derived matrix vesicles (MVs). We have shown that PHOSPHO1, a soluble phosphatase with specificity for two molecules present in MVs, phosphoethanolamine and phosphocholine, is responsible for initiating HA crystal formation inside MVs and that PHOSPHO1 and TNAP have nonredundant functional roles during endochondral ossification. Double ablation of PHOSPHO1 and TNAP function leads to the complete absence of skeletal mineralization and perinatal lethality, despite normal systemic phosphate and calcium levels. This strongly suggests that the P_i needed for initiation of MV-mediated mineralization is produced locally in the perivesicular space. As both TNAP and nucleoside pyrophosphohydrolase-1 (NPP1) behave as potent ATPases and pyrophosphatases in the MV compartment, our current model of the mechanisms of skeletal mineralization implicate intravesicular PHOSPHO1 function and P_i influx into MVs in the initiation of mineralization and the functions of TNAP and NPP1 in the extravesicular progression of mineralization.