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A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro
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Published on: June 16, 2022

Human osteoclasts express oxytocin receptor.

Silvia Colucci1, Graziana Colaianni, Giorgio Mori

  • 1Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Policlinico-P.zza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70 124, Italy. s.colucci@anatomia.uniba.it

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|September 25, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Oxytocin receptors are present in human osteoclasts and their precursors. Oxytocin influences calcium levels and increases the number of pre-osteoclasts, suggesting a role in bone remodeling.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Bone Biology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Oxytocin, a hypothalamic hormone, regulates food balance and leptin secretion.
  • Leptin inhibits bone formation.
  • Oxytocin receptors (OTR) are found in human osteoblasts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate OTR expression in human osteoclasts (hOCs).
  • Determine the effect of oxytocin on hOCs and osteoclastogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis to detect OTR expression in hOCs and their precursors (pOCs).
  • Measurement of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) levels following oxytocin treatment.
  • Assessment of osteoclastogenesis by counting pre-osteoclasts.

Main Results:

  • OTR are expressed in fully differentiated hOCs and pOCs.
  • Oxytocin treatment functionally activates OTR, increasing [Ca(2+)](i).
  • Oxytocin increases the number of pre-osteoclasts, suggesting an effect on osteoclastogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Human osteoclasts and their precursors express functional oxytocin receptors.
  • Oxytocin may play a role in regulating bone remodeling through its effects on osteoclastogenesis.