Nitric oxide modulates the responses of osteoclast formation to static magnetic fields.

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in osteoclast differentiation. Our previous studies showed that static magnetic fields (SMFs) could affect osteoclast differentiation. The inhibitory effects of 16 T of high SMF (HiMF) on osteoclast differentiation was correlated with increased production of NO. We raised the hypothesis that NO mediated the regulatory role of SMFs on osteoclast formation. In this study, 500 nT of hypomagnetic field (HyMF), 0.2 T of moderate SMF (MMF) and 16 T of high SMF (HiMF) were utilized as SMF treatment. Under 16 T, osteoclast formation was markedly decreased with enhanced NO synthase (NOS) activity, thus producing a high level of NO. When treated with NOS inhibitor N-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), NO production could be inhibited, and osteoclast formation was restored to control group level in a concentration-dependent manner. However, 500 nT and 0.2 T increased osteoclast formation with decreased NOS activity and NO production. When treated with NOS substrate L-Arginine (L-Arg) or NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the NO level in the culture medium was obviously elevated, thus inhibiting osteoclast differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner under 500 nT or 0.2 T. Therefore, these findings indicate that NO mediates the regulatory role of SMF on osteoclast formation.