The effect of sintered dicalcium pyrophosphate on osteoclast metabolism: an ultrastructural study

Sintered dicalcium pyrophosphate (SDCP), a synthetic compound, has proved to be both bioabsorbable and biocompatible in vivo. Recent work in our institute also has demonstrated that the ingestion of SDCP can increase bone mass in the ovariectomized rat. In this study, we used an in vitro cell culture model to investigate the ultrastructural changes and fate of osteoclasts induced by SDCP. Quantitative evaluation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts after administration of SDCP was performed. We studied immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of osteoclasts undergoing apoptosis. The results showed that at 10(-4) M SDCP, the osteoblast cell count increased significantly, whereas the osteoclast population decreased significantly. Apoptosis of the osteoclast population was well demonstrated by immunohistochemical study. Ultrastructural study showed that the Golgi apparatus was degraded or dispersed in the cytoplasm. Later, osteoclasts revealed pyknotic nuclei showing condensation and margination of heterochromatins and DNA fragmentation, which are typical features of apoptosis. In addition, disruption of nuclear envelopes leading to leakage of nuclear contents into the cytoplasm was observed in the late stage of apoptosis. In conclusion, SDCP-induced apoptosis of osteoclasts was characterized by ultrastructural changes of the nucleus accompanied by degradation of cellular organelles.