Figure 3. Y₁R deficiency impairs the resorption of the mineralized surface.

Osteoclast matrix resorptive activity was evaluated using dentine discs as substrates (A). Osteoclast precursors were seeded on top of dentine substrates. SEM analysis demonstrated that the lack of Y₁R modulated the resorptive activity of osteoclasts resulting in a diminished eroded area, as depicted by representative micrographs of WT (B) and Y₁R^−/− (C) dentine discs. EDS analysis of the dentine and pit (*) surfaces revealed a significant decrease in phosphate and calcium in WT eroded surfaces (D,E). These differences were not so prominent when comparing non-eroded and eroded Y₁R^−/− surfaces (F,G). Scale bar (A–C) = 200 μm; Scale bar (D,F) = 50 μm.