Human Tumour-Associated Macrophages and Bone Resorption
Author Information
Author(s): N.A. Athanasou, J.M.W. Quinn
Primary Institution: Nuffield Department of Pathology and Bacteriology, University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Can human tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to bone resorption associated with skeletal metastasis?
Conclusion
TAMs are capable of both low-grade and high-grade bone resorption, particularly in the presence of stromal cells.
Supporting Evidence
- TAMs formed resorption lacunae on bone slices after co-culture with stromal cells.
- Normal alveolar macrophages did not result in lacunar resorption.
- TAMs showed increased TRAP positivity when co-cultured with ST2 cells.
- High-grade bone resorption was only observed in the presence of stromal cells.
Takeaway
Some special cells in tumors can eat away at bones, especially when they are helped by other cells.
Methodology
TAMs were isolated from lung carcinoma specimens and co-cultured with bone slices and stromal cells to assess bone resorption.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on TAMs from lung carcinomas, which may not represent all types of tumors.
Participant Demographics
Three adenocarcinomas and two squamous carcinomas from lung cancer patients.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website