Effects of PEMF exposure at different pulses on osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 cells

Abstract Objective Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) were considered to be a factor which may affect osteogenesis of osteoblasts, but the effects were diverse with different PEMF parameters. The aim of the current study is to explore the effects of exposure to PEMFs at different pulse number on osteogenesis of osteoblasts. Design The mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to 0, 400 or 2800 pulses 400 kV/m PEMF and the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of cells were observed after PEMF exposure by the methods of MTT, biochemical measurement, real-time PCR and Alizarin Red assay. Results Compared with 0 pulses groups, the growth curve, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA level of osteocalcin (OCN) and mineralized nodule formation of MC3T3-E1 cells did not change after 400 pulses PEMF exposure, but decreased after 2800 pulses PEMF exposure. It suggested that under our experimental conditions, only 2800 pulses 400 kV/m PEMF exposure can suppress the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells, but 400 pulses 400 kV/m PEMF exposure cannot. Conclusions Pulse number is another involved parameter which may influence the effects of PEMF on osteogenesis of osteoblasts.