Type II collagen induced bone resorption in the temporal bone of rats: histological and immunohistochemical studies.

Bone resorption in the temporal bone of rats was induced by peripheral immunizations of heterogeneous type II collagen. Bone resorption was found at both the tympanic bone and the petrous bone of the otic capsule. Macrophages, fibroblasts and osteoclasts were found in the enlarged spaces of bone. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that macrophages, fibroblasts and osteoclasts produced collagenase and prostaglandins in the bone resorption processes, suggesting that these cells are responsible for the resorption observed.