Effects of tumor necrosis factor on bone formation in vitro

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was studied for its effects on bone formation in cultured rat calvariae. TNF alpha at 100-100,000 U/ml stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, an effect that appeared after 24 h of treatment and lasted 96 h. Transient (24-h) treatment with TNF alpha increased [3H]proline incorporation into type I collagen 24-72 h after the factor was removed; this effect was DNA synthesis dependent and blocked by hydroxyurea. Transient treatment with TNF alpha also increased alkaline phosphatase activity. In contrast, continuous treatment with TNF alpha for 48-96 h caused a marked inhibition on [3H]proline incorporation into type I collagen and alkaline phosphatase activity. TNF alpha caused a small increase in collagen degradation. Lymphotoxin had similar effects to those of TNF alpha. In conclusion, TNF alpha stimulates calvarial DNA synthesis which causes an increased number of collagen-synthesizing cells, but TNF alpha has a direct inhibitory effect on osteoblastic function.