Nitric oxide production by bone cells in response to fluid shear stress is rate dependent and requires an initial stress kick

Abstract

This study addressed the nature by which bone cells respond to fluid flow stimulation. MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic bone cells were subjected to fluid shear stress regimes of varying rates with static controls using a parallel-plate chamber in vitro system. Nitric oxide production was measured as the parameter for bone cell activation. We found that the rate dependent response of bone cells to fluid shear stress by rapid nitric oxide production necessitated an initial stress kick. This finding provides further understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying bone mechanotransduction.