[Osteoblast-like cells cultured in vitro].
OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship of osteogenesis and osteoblast-like cells from different tissues, and the shape and functional changes of these cells in their different growing stages. METHODS: Three types of osteoblast-like cells, long spindle-shaped, spherical, and squamous cells were obtained from the fetal calvaria of SD rats or Leghorn chickens cultured in vitro. RESULTS: The long spindle-shaped and the spherical cells developed into the squamous cells. They had the same developing tendency and the same results of development. Three types of cells in their different growing stages displayed separately their functional status. They secreted acid mucopolysaccharide, collagen, calcium salt, alkaline phosphatase, etc. The secreted substances heaped up to form new bone tissues. At the same time there were positive acid phosphatase-staining cells around the new bone tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The cells isolated from the fetal calvaria contained two lines of bone cells, carrying out both bone formation and bone resorption.