Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Osteoblasts are a key component in the regulation of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. Manipulating osteoblast numbers results in a parallel change in HSC numbers. We tested the activity of strontium (Sr), a bone anabolic agent that enhances osteoblast function and inhibits osteoclast activity, on hematopoiesis. In vitro treatment of primary murine osteoblasts with Sr increased their ability to form bone nodules, and in vivo it increased osteoblast number, bone volume, and trabecular thickness and decreased trabecular pattern factor. However, the administration of Sr had no influence on primitive HSCs, although the number of hematopoietic progenitors was higher than in control cells. When Sr-treated mice were used as donors for HSC transplantation, no difference in the engraftment ability was observed, whereas hematopoietic recovery was delayed when they were used as recipients. Despite the changes in osteoblast numbers, no increment in the number of N-cadherin(+) osteoblasts and N-cadherin transcripts could be detected in Sr-treated mice. Therefore, increasing the overall number and function of osteoblasts without increasing N-cadherin(+) cells is not sufficient to enhance HSC quantity and function. Our study further supports the notion that N-cadherin(+) osteoblasts are fundamental in the hematopoietic niche.

Original publication

DOI

10.1182/blood-2007-03-082800

Type

Journal article

Journal

Blood

Publication Date

01/02/2008

Volume

111

Pages

1173 - 1181

Keywords

Animals, Bone Marrow, Cell Differentiation, Cell Shape, Cells, Cultured, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Osteoblasts, Osteogenesis, Parathyroid Hormone, Strontium