Bone marrow-derived stromal cell line expressing osteoblastic phenotype in vitro and osteogenic capacity in vivo

Marrow stroma has been shown to have osteogenic potential. Here we report the characterization of a unique stromal cell line derived from mouse bone marrow (MBA-15), which expresses osteoblastic phenotype in vitro and forms bone in vivo. More than 70% of cells in culture were histochemically positive for alkaline phosphatase. The enzyme levels were enhanced threefold when cultures were treated with dexamethasone. Gel electrophoresis of [3H]-proline-labeled cultures showed that MBA-15 cells produced only type I collagen. These cells were responsive to PTH, as indicated by a 50-fold increase in intracellular cAMP. Prostaglandin E2, but not calcitonin, stimulated cAMP up to 70-fold. When cultures were grown to confluence and fed daily with ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate, the cells formed a Von Kossa positive, thick extracellular matrix, shown to contain hydroxyapatite crystals. MBA-15 cells produced mineralized bone when implanted in diffusion chambers. These results indicate that the MBA-15 cell line possesses osteoblastic features in vitro and osteogenic capacity in vivo.