The Adherence to Bone by Cytoplasmic Elements of Osteoclasts

The intimate association observed between osteoclasts and bone has suggested that these cells may be adherent to the bony surface. We investigated this cell-surface relationship in parathyroid hormone-stimulated bone explants following applications of biophysically-induced cell detachment forces. Bone surfaces adjacent to disrupted osteoclasts were examined with transmission electron microscopy for the presence of residual cell membrane elements. Results of this study provide evidence for the adherence of osteoclasts to bony surfaces and implicate elements of both clear zone and ruffled border as cell-membrane bonded sites.