The alteration of osteoclast morphology by diphosphonates in bone organ culture.

Two diphosphonates alter the morphology of the osteoclast, as they inhibit the calcium45 release from bones stimulated to resorb by lipopolysaccharide. Disodium dichloromethylene diphosphonate was more potent than disodium ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate in both inhibiting 45calium release and altering osteoclast morphology. Alteration in the morphology of osteoclasts is associated with little or no change in the morphology of the surrounding non-osteoclast cells. These results indicate a specific morphological effect of diphosphonates on osteoclasts.