Stimulation of nitric oxide mechanotransduction in single osteoblasts using atomic force microscopy

Nitric oxide (NO) released from mechanosensitive bone cells plays a key role in the adaptation of bone structure to its mechanical usage. Despite its importance in bone, the mechanisms involved in NO mechanotransduction at the cellular level remain unknown. Using combined atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy, we report both stimulation and real-time monitoring of NO responses in single osteoblasts induced by application of quantified periodic indenting forces to the osteoblast membrane. Peak forces ranging from 17 to 50 nN stimulated three distinct NO responses in the indented osteoblasts: (1) a rapid and sustained diffusion of NO from the perinuclear region, (2) diffusion of NO from localized pools throughout the osteoblast, and (3) an initial increase and subsequent drop in intracellular NO. Force-indentation characteristics showed considerable interosteoblast variation in elasticity. NO responses were associated with application of force to more rigid membrane sites, suggesting cytoskeletal involvement in mechanotransduction.