An electron-microscopic study of the bone-remodeling sequence in the rat.

A detailed chronological electron-microscopic study of the bone remodeling sequence has been performed in the rat based on a previously described model (Tran Van et al. 1982) in which the remodeling activity is synchronized. This allowed the observation of the cellular and extracellular events during the bone remodeling process, including the activation of the sequential process and the reversal phase, intermediate between osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic formation. Most important is the fact that throughout the whole process cells with the morphological characteristics of mononuclear phagocytes have been observed in proximity or in contact with the bone surface and/or the various bone cells. Coated pits (receptor-mediated endocytosis) are frequently observed in close apposition ot bone spicules and gap junctions are frequent between the cells. These observations suggest that, besides being likely candidates as osteoclast precursors, mononuclear phagocytes may play an important role in bone remodeling.