2014 Volume 23 Issue 3 Pages 303-308
Osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, are unique multinucleated cells which show the ability to destroy the bone tissue through dissolution of hydroxyapatite and degradation of organic matrix components. Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) contains a large number of nutritional and macromolecular factors, it’s widely used as a cell culture supplement. Previous studies have found that FBS is essential for cell growth and it is also a potent inducer of osteoclast formation. However, relatively little is known regarding the mechanism of this effect. The aim of this study was to further explore the potential role of FBS on osteoclast formation and its mechanism. RAW 264.7 cells were cultured in medium with different FBS concentrations (10 %, 5 %, 1 %). The experiments were designed and performed including Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, Immunostaining, Transwell migration assay, Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that FBS promoted osteoclastogenesis in suitable concentrations by regulating migration of osteoclast precursors and expressions of TRAP and Cathepsin K.
