Immunocytochemical localization of BGP in human bones in various developmental stages and pathological conditions

Bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid containing protein (BGP) was isolated from human bone and anti-BGP antibody was produced in rabbits. Localization of BGP was investigated immunocytochemically by light and electron microscopy in human bones in various developmental stages and pathological conditions. In the bones of a 12 week fetus, osteoblasts stained strongly in areas of bone formation. However in bones of late fetal stages and in newborns and adults, BGP was localized predominantly in the osteoid and bone matrix in the ossifying front. Osteoblasts and osteocytes also stained positive, but less dominantly than in the early fetus. Electron microscopy showed that BGP was localized in the ER and Golgi cisternae of osteoblasts and osteocytes, and the collagen fibers of the osteoid and bone matrix. The intensity and distribution of staining were not significantly different in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. These observations indicate that BGP is synthesized by osteoblasts most actively in early fetal life and is then deposited on collagen fibers of the osteoid and bone matrix.