Insulin-like growth factor-I stimulates in vitro migration of preosteoclasts across bone endothelial cells

Little is known about the factors and the mechanisms involved in preosteoclast emigration from the vasculature. In this study, an in vitro model of bone endothelial lining was mimicked by culturing bone endothelial (BBE) cells at confluence on a 3-microm pore polycarbonate membranes. Preosteoclastic (FLG 29.1) cells were then added on top of the BBE cell monolayer and 10 nM insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) was added below the supporting membrane. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the chemotactic responses of preosteoclastic FLG 29.1 cells towards the IGF-I generated gradient. IGF-I potently stimulated chemotaxis in the FLG 29.1 cells, as shown by the migration of the preosteoclastic cells across the underlying BBE and through the intercellular junctions between adjacent endothelial cells. Subsequently, FLG 29.1 cells penetrated the pores of the supporting membrane and reached the lower face of the membrane. Thus, IGF-I, which is abundantly present in the bone tissue microenvironment, may play a paracrine role in the recruitment of the circulating preosteoclasts from the vascular compartment into the bone tissue. This in vitro model, which mimicks the in vivo phenomenon of preosteoclast extravasation, should prove useful in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlie this process.