<i>In situ</i> expression of RANKL, RANK, osteoprotegerin and cytokines in osteoclasts of rat periodontal tissue

Abstract

These findings suggest that an autocrine mechanism of RANKL-RANK exists in osteoclast, which is heightened in the pathological conditions. Furthermore, the autocrine mechanism of IL-1beta and TNFalpha is also provided in osteoclast under pathological condition. These autocrine mechanisms therefore seem to regulate the osteoclast function in both physiological and pathological conditions.