Optimal bone resorption by isolated rat osteoclasts requires chloride/bicarbonate exchange

We have examined the effect of DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene sulfonic acid) a potent, specific and irreversible inhibitor of chloride/bicarbonate exchange on bone resorption by disaggregated rat osteoclasts, using an in vitro bone slice assay. DIDS inhibited bone resorption in concentration dependent fashion, without affecting osteoclast viability or survival on bone slices. The role of anion exchange in the resorptive process is discussed.