Bioeffects of a nitric oxide donor in a human preosteoclastic cell line

Nitric oxide is a short-lived free radical produced by different isoforms of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. It regulates a whole range of functions in the body, but little is known about its effects on bone. Rat osteoclasts and a human preosteoclast cell line (FLG 29.1) have been shown to produce nitric oxide and to express nitric oxide synthases. In the present study we investigated the role of a nitric oxide donor, 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride, on the FLG 29.1 cells. 3-Morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride has been shown to significantly increase IL6 production and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity in FLG 29.1 cells, indicating a positive modulation of osteoclast differentiation. However FLG 29.1 cell adhesion on osteoblast-like cells was significantly inhibited, suggesting an inhibition of osteoclast motility. All these results confirm the bidirectional effect of nitric oxide whose basal production is necessary in promoting osteoclast differentiation, while at high levels it is effective in inhibiting osteoclast activity.