From bone lining cell to osteocyte:​ an SEM study

Menton, D. N.; Simmons, D. J.; Chang, S.-L.; Orr, B. Y.

Affiliations

¹Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110

²Department of Surgery, Divisions of Orthopedic Surgery and Bone and Mineral Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110

Abstract

We describe the SEM appearance of the rat endosteal bone lining cell (BLC) population, and the sequence of morphological changes of these cells as they self-incorporate into unmineralized bone matrix (osteoid), establish intercellular connections, and construct lacunae. The osteoblast/nascent osteocyte series was progressively unsheathed by gentle digestion of the osteoid with 0.25% collagenase. The osteoblasts which leave the polygonally packed BLC compartment rapidly develop numerous complexly branched processes that contact the processes elaborated by previous generations of maturing and mature osteocytes. As osteoblasts mature and approach the mineralization front, they appear to lose processes. The mature cells begin to form osteocyte lacunae by depositing an asymmetric perimeter of woven collagen fibrils, such that as the cells roof-over, the lacunae appear as pocketlike constructions. The collagen fibrils on the perilacunar matrix are oriented in a tangential or circular pattern, while those in the more distal matrix are arranged in a parallel pattern. With the completion of a lacuna, its wall appears to mineralize quickly, for lacunae could be recognized only when they are forming.

Links

DOI: 10.1002/ar.1092090105

PubMed: 6329038

WoS: A1984SR80000004

History

Received: 1983-09-23

Accepted: 1983-11-02

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