Histomorphometric study of age-related changes in remodelling activity of human desmodontal bone

To study age-related changes in human desmodontal bone remodelling, histological specimens were prepared from 42 human mandibles from individuals aged between 16 and 71 years which were obtained from autopsies. Microradiographs of horizontal ground sections and the corresponding undecalcified histological sections stained with Goldner trichrome were used for analysis. Histomorphometric measurements of static bone remodelling were performed along the desmodontal bone surface using a computer assisted semiautomatic measurement system. External influences from the individual dental occlusion and periodontal conditions were superimposed on age changes. A modest but significant age-dependent decrease in the surface extent of osteoid seams covered by 'active' osteoblasts was found. In addition, the number of osteoclasts per unit of resorptive bone surface diminished, leading to an increase in Howship's lacunae, devoid of osteoclasts. Both phenomena were interpreted as being due to a decrease in active bone forming capacity with age.