title: [Interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts].
abstract: We reviewed morphological aspects in the interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) and fibronectin were localized in the intercellular space between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. HSPG is involved in reservation of growth factors and protection from their proteolysis, suggesting that HSPG may play an important role in cell-cell interaction of bone cells. On the other hand, immunohistochemistry for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -13 revealed that MMP-13 produced by osteoblast-lineage cells may play an important role in degradation of type I collagen in bone matrix, acting in concert with cathepsin K and MMP-9 produced by osteoclasts. Bone volume is maintained through the balance of bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Their interaction is a critical component of normal bone cell biology.
authors.affiliation: Oral Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry.
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamamoto