Bone marrow‐derived stromal cell line expressing osteoblastic phenotype in vitro and osteogenic capacity in vivo

Abstract

Marrow stroma has been shown to have osteogenic potential. Here we report the characterization of a unique stromal cell line derived from mouse bone marrow (MBA-15), which expresses osteoblastic phenotype in vitro and forms bone in vivo. More than 70% of cells in culture were histochemically positive for alkaline phosphatase. The enzyme levels were enhanced threefold when cultures were treated with dexamethasone. Gel electrophoresis of [³H]-proline-labeled cultures showed that MBA-15 cells produced only type I collagen. These cells were responsive to PTH, as indicated by a 50-fold increase in intracellular cAMP. Prostaglandin E₂, but not calcitonin, stimulated cAMP up to 70-fold. When cultures were grown to confluence and fed daily with ascorbic acid and β-glycerophosphate, the cells formed a Von Kossa positive, thick extracellular matrix, shown to contain hydroxyapatite crystals. MBA-15 cells produced mineralized bone when implanted in diffusion chambers. These results indicate that the MBA-15 cell line possesses osteoblastic features in vitro and osteogenic capacity in vivo.