Large gradient high magnetic fields affect osteoblast ultrastructure and function by disrupting collagen I or fibronectin/αβ1 integrin

PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e51036. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051036. Epub 2013 Jan 29.

Abstract

The superconducting magnet generates a field and field gradient product that can levitate diamagnetic materials. In this study a specially designed superconducting magnet with a large gradient high magnetic field (LG-HMF), which can provide three apparent gravity levels (μ-g, 1-g, and 2-g), was used to simulate a space-like gravity environment. The effects of LG-HMF on the ultrastructure and function of osteoblast-like cells (MG-63 and MC3T3-E1) and the underlying mechanism were investigated by transmission electromicroscopy (TEM), MTT, and cell western (ICW) assays. Under LG-HMF significant morphologic changes in osteoblast-like cells occurred, including expansion of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, an increased number of lysosomes, distorted microvilli, and aggregates of actin filaments. Compared to controls, cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion were significantly increased, and collagen I (col I), fibronectin (FN), vinculin, integrin α3, αv, and β1 expression were changed under LG-HMF conditions. In conclusion, LG-HMF affects osteoblast ultrastructure, cell viability, and ALP secretion, and the changes caused by LG-HMF may be related to disrupting col I or FN/αβ1 integrin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / radiation effects
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / radiation effects
  • Fibronectins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects*
  • Gravitation
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Lysosomes / radiation effects
  • Magnetic Fields*
  • Mice
  • Osteoblasts / radiation effects*
  • Osteoblasts / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Fibronectins
  • Integrins
  • Collagen
  • Alkaline Phosphatase

Grants and funding

This work was supported by National Basic Research Program of China (2011CB710903) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30970706). The funders had a role in study design and data collection and analysis.