AGING OF HUMAN TRABECULAR OSTEOBLASTS CULTURE

Osteoblasts are the bone forming cells, which synthesize and secrete t he components of the bone matrix. An imbalance between the breakdown a nd the build up of bone and a decline in osteoblast activity is consid ered to be the basis of age-related changes in bone structure and func tion, including the origin of osteoporosis. In order to determine whet her the osteoblast activity decreases because of a decreased prolifera tive capacity or some other reason, we have examined several cellular and biochemical characteristics of human trabecular osteoblasts serial ly passaged in culture. We have studied growth and maximum lifespan in terms of cumulative population doubling level achieved in culture. We have also determined changes in morphology, protein content and the s ynthesis of proteins, DNA and RNA during aging of osteoblasts. Further more, changes in the cytoskeletal components actin and microtubuli hav e been observed along with a comparison of one dimensional and two dim ensional gel electrophoretic protein pattern during aging.