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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

A Simple Pit Assay Protocol to Visualize and Quantify Osteoclastic Resorption In Vitro
Published on: June 16, 2022
Bone Resorption Activity in Mature Osteoclasts
1Division of Analytical Bio-Medicine, Advanced Research Support Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan. kiyoi@m.ehime-u.ac.jp.
Abstract:
Bone homeostasis depends on balanced bone deposition and bone resorption, which are mediated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. As one therapeutic strategy, the blockage of osteoclast activity reduces subsequent bone erosion. Morphological analysis of bone resorption pits formed by osteoclasts by using scanning electron microscope is an effective method for understanding rheumatoid arthritis. Here we describe methods for observing surface microstructure of pits formed by osteoclasts on hard tissue sections.
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