ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COLLAGENASE SYNTHESIZED BY MOUSE BONE CELLS IN CULTURE

Abstract

Latent collagenase was isolated by heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography from the culture medium of isolated mouse bone cells. Collagenase was synthesized by osteoblast-like cells rather than by osteoclastic cells. Collagenase synthesis by osteoblast-like cells was significantly stimulated by the addition of parathyroid hormone and/or heparin to the culture medium at concentrations that induce bone resorption in bone organ culture systems. The results were consistent with immunocytochemical findings reported in the preceding paper. The cellular origin of the isolated collagenase was confirmed by demonstrating the characteristic 3/4 and 1/4 fragments of collagen α-chains, as well as inhibition of the enzyme by anti-mouse bone collagenase antibody.