Summary
Cytoplasmic vacuoles and bodies in the osteoclast (rat) were studied by electron microscopy. The vacuole-like structures (0.03–5 μ in diameter) may be classed as a) vacuoles b) coated vacuoles and c) invaginations. The cytoplasmic bodies vary in size from 0.02–3 μ in diameter and these may similarly be classed as a) light cytoplasmic bodies, b) dense cytoplasmic bodies, c) coated cytoplasmic bodies and d) cytoplasmic bodies containing inclusions. Both the cytoplasmic vacuoles and the bodies are limited by a triple layered membrane of about 91 Å in thickness. Their relationship to the lysosomal system and the role of this system in the osteoclast is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chalazonitis, N., Chagneux, R.: Differences in glial and axonal unit membranes of helix. In: Microscopie électronique, vol. 3, p. 25–26 (Favard, P., ed.). Paris: Société Francaise de Microscopie Électronique 1970.
Dermer, G.B.: Ultrastructural changes in the microvillous plasma membrane during lipid absorption and the form of absorbed lipid: An in vivo study. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 20, 51–71 (1967).
Dingle, J.T., Fell, B.: Lyossomes in biology and pathology. Amsterdam-London: North-Holland Publ. Co. 1969.
Doty, S.B., Schofield, H., Robinson, R.A.: The electron microscopic identification of acid phosphatase and adenosintriphosphatase in bone cells following parathyroid extract or thyrocalcitonin administration. In: Parathyroid hormone and thyrocalcitonin (calcitonin), p. 169–181 (Talmage, R.V., Bélanger, L.F., eds.). Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica Foundation 1968.
Dudley, H.R., Spiro, D.: The fine structure of bone cells. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 11, 627–649 (1961).
Duve, C. de: The lysosome concept. In: Ciba foundation symposium lysosomes, p. 1–35 (Reuck, A.V.S. de, Cameron, M.P., eds.). London: J. & A. Churchill, Ltd. 1963.
Duve, C. de, Wattiaux, R.: Function of lysosomes. Ann. Rev. Physiol. 28, 435–492 (1966).
Fetter, A.W., Capen, C.C.: The fine structure of bone in the nasal turbinates of young pigs. Anat. Rec. 171, 329–346 (1971).
Freilich, L.S.: Ultrastructure and acid phosphatase cytochemistry of odontoclasts: Effects of parathyroid extract. J. dent. Res. 50, 1047–1055 (1971).
Friend, D.S., Farquhar, M.G.: Functions of coated vesicles during protein absorption in the rat vas deferens. J. Cell Biol. 35, 357–376 (1967).
Göthlin, G., Ericson, J.L.E.: Fine structural localization of acid phosphomonoesterase in the brush border region of osteoclasts. Histochemie 28, 337–344 (1971).
Jackson, C.M.: Zur Histologie und Histogenese des Knochenmarkes. Arch. Anat. u. Entwickl.-Gesch. 1, 33–70 (1904).
Lillibridge, C.B.: Membranes of the human pepsinogen granule. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 10, 145–149 (1961).
Lucht, U.: Acid phosphatase of osteoclasts demonstrated by electron microscopic histochemistry. Histochemie 28, 103–117 (1971).
Lucht, U.: Absorption of peroxidase by osteoclasts as studied by electron microscope histochemistry. Histochemie 29, 274–286 (1972a).
Lucht, U.: Osteoclasts and their relationship to bone as studied by electron microscopy. Z. Zellforsch. 135, 211–228 (1972b).
Luft, J.H.: Improvements in epoxy embedding methods. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 9, 409–414 (1961).
Maunsbach, A.B.: Observations on the ultrastructure and acid phosphatase activity of the cytoplasmic bodies in rat kidney proximal tubule cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 16, 197–238 (1966).
Novikoff, A.B.: Lysosomes in the physiology and pathology of cells: Contribution of staining methods. In: Ciba foundation symposium lysosomes, p. 36–77 (Reuck, A.V.S. de, Cameron, M.P., eds). London: J. & A. Churchill, Ltd. 1963.
Revel, J.P., Karnovsky, M.J.: Hexagonal array of subunits in intercellular junctions of the the mouse heart and liver. J. Cell Biol. 33, C7-C12 (1967).
Reynolds, E.S.: The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electronopaque stain in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 17, 208–212 (1963).
Roth, T. F., Porter, K. R.: Yolk protein uptake in the oocyte of the mosquito Aedes Aegypti L. J. Cell Biol. 20, 313–332 (1964).
Ryter, A., Kellenberger, E.: L'inclusion au polyester pour l'ultramicrotomie. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 2, 200–214 (1958).
Schenk, R.K., Spiro, D., Wiener, J.: Cartilage resorption in the tibial epiphyseal plate of growing rats. J. Cell Biol. 34, 275–291 (1967).
Scott, B.L.: The occurrence of specific cytoplasmic granules in the osteoclast. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 19, 417–431 (1967).
Straus, W.: Cytochemical observations on the relationship between lysosomes and phagosomes in kidney and liver by combined staining for acid phosphatase and intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase. J. Cell Biol. 20, 497–507 (1964).
Straus, W.: Use of horseradish peroxidase as a marker protein for studies of phagolysosomes, permeability and immunology. Meth. Achiev. exp. Path. 4, 54–91 (1969).
Watson, M.L.: Staining of tissue sections for electron microscopy with heavy metals. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 4, 475–478 (1958).
Yaeger, J.A., Kraucunas, E.: Fine structure of the resorptive cells in the teeth of frogs. Anat. Rec. 164, 1–13 (1969).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported by the Danish Research Council. Grant no. 512–727 and 512–819.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lucht, U. Cytoplasmic vacuoles and bodies of the osteoclast. Z. Zellforsch. 135, 229–244 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00315128
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00315128