Objective: To compare between MLO-Y4 osteocyte and osteoblast to support osteoclast formation in co-culture system.
Methods: MLO-Y4 cells and murine osteoblast cells were co-cultured with bone marrow cells with or without vitamin D₃ presence.Bone marrow cells were as control group. Tartrat resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+ giant cells with three or more nuclei were counted and compared under a microscope at day 9.
Results: In the absence of vitamin D₃, (1963.3 ± 93.1)/plate osteoclasts were observed when MLO-Y4 cells co-cultured with bone marrow cells in 24-well plate.While only (12.7 ± 5.5)/plate osteoclasts were found in the osteoblast group, and (6.0 ± 1.0)/plate in control group. The statistical difference occurs for any two groups (P < 0.05). Vitamin D₃ could significantly increase osteoclast formation in the three groups.
Conclusions: Osteocytes could induce osteoclastogenesis without the presence of vitamin D₃ and vitamin D₃ could enhance the induction effects of MLO-Y4 and osteoblast cells.