Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) directly enhances osteoclastic bone resorption and survival of mature osteoclasts

FEBS Lett. 2000 May 12;473(2):161-4. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01520-9.

Abstract

In bone development and regeneration, angiogenesis and bone/cartilage resorption are essential processes and are closely associated with each other, suggesting a common mediator for these two biological events. To address this interrelationship, we examined the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most critical growth factor for angiogenesis, on osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity in a culture of highly purified rabbit mature osteoclasts. VEGF caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in the area of bone resorption pits excavated by the isolated osteoclasts, partially by enhancing the survival of the cells. Two distinct VEGF receptors, KDR/Flk-1 and Flt-1, were detectable in osteoclasts at the gene and protein levels, and VEGF induced tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in osteoclasts. Thus, osteoclastic function and angiogenesis are up-regulated by a common mediator such as VEGF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Resorption*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / pharmacology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lymphokines / pharmacology*
  • Osteoclasts / cytology
  • Osteoclasts / drug effects*
  • Osteoclasts / physiology
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Rabbits
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Time Factors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Lymphokines
  • Receptors, Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor