[In vitro identification of a mononuclear precursor of osteoclast].

Osteoclast is derived from mononuclear hematopoietic stem cells, most likely within the granulocyte-macrophage lineage. The exact differentiation process of osteoclasts precurssors has only been partially uncovered. The authors isolated in vitro, from the medullary bone of hens a mononuclear precursor of the osteoclast. This cell expressed several characteristics of mature and multinucleated osteoclast including the capacity to resorb the extracellular bone matrix.