The osteoclast as a unicellular proton-transporting epithelium

Osteoclasts dissolve bone mineral by the vectorial secretion of hydrogen ion at their osseous attachment site. To accomplish this, the osteoclast employs a vacuolar H+ ATPase that is polarized to the specialized proton-secreting plasma membrane domain, the ruffled border. Physiologically and biochemically, they resemble the specialized proton-secreting intercalated cells of the renal collecting duct, which also use a polarized vacuolar H+ ATPase to effect transepithelial hydrogen ion transport. Studies on the mechanism of hydrogen ion transport by the kidney may therefore provide insights into the control of acid secretion by the osteoclast.