Downregulation of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) binding by CSF-1 in isolated osteoclasts

Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), also called macrophage colony-stimulating factor, is the growth factor for the cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system. Furthermore, CSF-1 is essential in osteoclastogenesis and also affects mature osteoclasts. The receptor for CSF-1 was demonstrated on cells of the osteoclast lineage, with highest levels on the mature cells. This study investigated whether the binding of CSF-1 to isolated rat osteoclasts is modulated by the growth factor itself. Exposure of osteoclasts to CSF-1 for 1 hour virtually abolished binding of the growth factor. After removal of CSF-1, binding sites were restored within 4 hours. This recovery was blocked by cycloheximide, indicating the dependence on new protein synthesis for reexpression of receptors on the cell surface. The observed downregulation of CSF-1 binding sites might be a mechanism to control the effects of the growth factor on mature osteoclasts.