M.L. Taylor

Fluorescence in the tandem scanning microscope

Our studies have shown that the fluorescence mode can be used to good effect in both tandem scanning microscopes (TSM: direct view confocal microscopes) as well as confocal scanning laser microscopes (CSLM). Applications are presented which show that the two great advantages of TSM are real‐time viewing and real colour, which allow faster use and interpretation. CSLM are complementary, not competitive, being currently more sophisticated for low‐level fluorescence work. This is equally possible with available TSM, but requires further development using CCD cameras and image‐processing systems.

Effect of retinoic acid on the resorptive activity of chick osteoclasts in vitro.

Mixed cell suspensions mechanically isolated from the long-bones of day 20 prehatch chicks were cultured for 24 h on bone and sperm whale dentine slices in the presence of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 nM retinoic acid (RA). Significant inhibitions in the numbers of discrete lacunae resorbed per dentine slice, and in the ratio of lacunae per tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinuclear cell were observed with all concentrations of RA studied. Semi-automated, 3-dimensional analysis of 733 pits was performed on one series of experiments using a tandem scanning (confocal) microscope, interfaced to an image analyzing computer. The majority of lacunae were small and unilocular; the plan areas of 90% of control pits were below 500 microns 2. Small but statistically significant increases in lacunar areas, but not mean or maximum depths or volumes, were observed in the presence of 10 and 100 nM RA; however, these changes were much smaller than the magnitude of the decrease in pit numbers. Thus, the overall effect of RA in this system was inhibitory. Our findings contrast with the well known stimulatory action of retinoids on bone resorption both in vivo and in organ culture, but may parallel the inhibitory effects of prostaglandins observed in disaggregated osteoclast systems.

Confocal fluorescence microscopy : some applications in bone cell biology

Three‐dimensional information is necessary for the proper investigation of the interrelationships of bone cells, and of the complex interface between these cells and the bone matrix they form and destroy. The use of fluorescence confocal microscopy was explored in the determination of the distribution of immunolabelled actin and vinculin—cytoskeletal and attachment proteins—in isolated chick bone cells cultured on dentine, and in neonate rat and rabbit calvaria. Confocal imaging, compared with conventional fluorescence imaging, greatly enhanced the interpretation possible.