Osteoblasts and osteocytes express MMP2 and -8 and TIMP1, -2, and -3 along with extracellular matrix molecules during appositional bone formation.

Our previous studies suggested that a part of bone extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules are degraded and remodeled during embryonic bone formation. In contrast, little is known about ECM remodeling in postnatal appositional bone formation. The present study was designed to investigate expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) during experimentally initiated appositional bone formation in rats. Expressions of ECM molecules, MMPs, and TIMPs were examined using in situ hybridization. Osteoblasts and osteocytes expressed MMP2 and -8, TIMP1, -2, and -3, as well as type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteocalcin in the course of the appositional bone formation, while they showed few transcripts of MMP13. The results indicated that while osteoblasts and osteocytes in the apposed bone produce ECM molecules, they degrade ECM molecules with MMPs and regulate the degradation by inhibiting the activity of MMPs using TIMPs. Osteoblasts and osteocytes may reorganize the ECM composition to mature the bone matrix in appositional bone formation. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.