The osteoclast-endothelium interface during bone resorption in the femurs of young rabbits

Summary The morphological relationship between the osteoclasts at the endosteal surface of two-week-old rabbit femurs and the endothelium of vascular channels of the bone marrow was examined. Light microscopy revealed that 85% of the osteoclasts make direct contact with the endothelial cells. The ultrastructure of this osteoclast-endothelium interface shows that the osteoclast has specialized processes which reach out towards the endothelial cells coming into close proximity with them. On rare occasions, specialized junctions between these processes and the endothelial cells are noted.Study supported by the joint research fund of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine founded by the Alpha-Omega Fraternity and the Hadassah Medical OrganizationI would like to thank Mr. Milo Sadownick for his excellent technical assistance