Abstract: Methods of obtaining enriched populations of osteoclast precursor cells which can be released from tissue culture dishes and used for biochemical studies are described. Osteoblastic cells and bone marrow cells are co-cultured. Next a .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 receptor ligand, such as echistatin is used for cell detachment. The result is a 75-95% pure enriched population of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP.sup.+) cells, in high yields (2-3.times.10.sup.6 cells per experiment) can be obtained. These cells are mosty mononucleated and based on their characteristics are considered to be pre-fusion osteoclasts (pOC cells). The precursor osteoclasts can be reseeded onto osteoblasts to obtain an enriched population of mature, multinucleated osteoclast cells.