How is Bone Homeostasis Maintained? Dynamic Regulatory Mechanism by Cells with Opposite Functions

Abstract

We recently established the intravital imaging system for visualizing the bone tissues in living mice using two-photon excitation microscopy. By means of this system, we succeeded in visualization of direct cell-cell contact between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. In addition, we revealed that this intercellular interaction could regulate the bone remodeling. Our intravital bone imaging system would be useful for the analysis of pathology of various bone diseases and the evaluation of the effect of new drug.