Possible modulation of process extension by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor expressed in osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells

J Pharmacol Sci. 2012;119(1):112-6. doi: 10.1254/jphs.12068sc. Epub 2012 Apr 28.

Abstract

In contrast to osteoblasts, little attention has been paid to expression profiles of different glutamatergic signaling machineries in osteocytes, which are the most abundant cells with a possible role as a mechanical sensor in bone. Here, we show that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is expressed by osteocytic cells in five-weeks-old mouse tibiae in vivo as well as by osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells in vitro. Sustained exposure to the NMDAR antagonist dizocilpine significantly increased the number of cells with processes in cultured MLO-Y4 cells. These results suggest that NMDAR would be expressed by osteocytes with an unidentified role in the process extension.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Osteocytes / metabolism*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Glutamic Acid