Objective This study aimed to demonstrate the immunolocalization and gene expression of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNALP) and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) in osteoblasts, preosteoblasts, and osteocytes of murine bone to provide clues for a better understanding of the supply of phosphate ions (Pi) during bone mineralization. Methods Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (n = 6) were fixed with a paraformaldehyde solution, and the right femora were extracted for immunodetection of TNALP and ENPP1, while the left tibiae were used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to evaluate Tnalp and Enpp1 gene expression. Results TNALP was intensely localized on the basolateral cell membranes of mature osteoblasts and preosteoblastic cells. There was little immunoreactivity of TNALP on the secretory surface of the osteoblasts and no TNALP reactivity in the osteocytes. In contrast, ENPP1 was observed throughout the cytoplasm of mature osteoblasts and osteocytes embedded in bone but was not observed in preosteoblasts. Together, despite the fact that the osteoid is a site of matrix vesicle-mediated mineralization, ENPP1, which inhibits mineralization by providing pyrophosphates, was localized in close proximity of the osteoid, whereas TNALP, which facilitates mineralization by providing Pi, was relatively distant from the osteoid. Conclusion It seems likely that the differential localization of TNALP and ENPP1 around the osteoid observed at the microscopic level may provide preferential micro-circumstance for a balanced concentration of Pi and pyrophosphate for bone mineralization.
