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Osteocyte Apoptosis and Osteoclast Presence in Chicken Radii 0–4 Days Following Osteotomy

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Abstract

Osteocyte apoptosis caused by load-induced microdamage is followed by osteoclastic bone remodeling, and a causal link between apoptosis and repair has been suggested. The objectives of the present study were to use a chick model to examine the incidence of osteocyte apoptosis and the presence of osteoclasts during the first 96 hours following an osteotomy, prior to extensive callus mineralization. Osteotomies were performed on the right radii of 24 chicks at 23–24 days of age. The left radii served as controls. Radii were collected and processed at six time points following surgery (0, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours). Decalcified bone tissue sections were stained either for apoptosis using a modified TUNEL procedure or for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase to identify osteoclasts in the intracortical and periosteal envelopes. The percentage of apoptotic osteocytes, as well as osteoclast counts (n/mm or n/mm2) were quantified in four regions (0–1, 1–2, 2–4, and 4–8 mm from the site of the osteotomy; regions 1–4, respectively) in the osteotomized radii and in the same measured areas in the control radii. Data for osteocyte apoptosis and osteoclasts in the control limb were subtracted from the osteotomized limb data to identify differences due to surgical influence. The incidence of osteocyte apoptosis was significantly higher at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours versus 0 hours following osteotomy, and the response was highest in region 1; however, there was no interaction between time and region. Intracortical osteoclast counts (n/mm2) were elevated after 48 hours, and the response was similar in all regions. The data demonstrate that osteocyte apoptosis occurs within 24 hours in response to an osteotomy and temporally precedes an increase in osteoclast presence. Hence, osteocyte apoptosis may play a role in signaling during the bone healing process.

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Acknowledgment

Appreciation is extended to the following for their assistance with this experiment: Hy-Line International for donation of the chicks; B. Yandell, P. Crump, and T. Tabone for statistical advice; J. Fialkowski, L. Dunlavy, J. Matheson, J. Yu, B. Cruzen, and C. Johnson for assistance prior to and during surgeries; L. Dunlavy, J. Matheson, and C. Johnson for assistance with bird monitoring following surgeries; Z. Hao and V. Kalscheur for laboratory assistance; M. Ludwig and B. Walter for assistance with feeding and housing chicks.

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Author notes

  1. W. D. Clark

    Present address: Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada

  2. K. A. Linn

    Present address: Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    W. D. Clark & M. E. Cook

  2. Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    E. L. Smith

  3. Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    K. A. Linn, J. R. Paul-Murphy & P. Muir

Authors
  1. W. D. Clark
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  2. E. L. Smith
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  3. K. A. Linn
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  4. J. R. Paul-Murphy
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  5. P. Muir
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  6. M. E. Cook
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Correspondence to E. L. Smith or M. E. Cook.

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Clark, W.D., Smith, E.L., Linn, K.A. et al. Osteocyte Apoptosis and Osteoclast Presence in Chicken Radii 0–4 Days Following Osteotomy. Calcif Tissue Int 77, 327–336 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-005-0074-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-005-0074-z

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