AIM:

To investigate the effects of high magneto-gravitational environment on Ca(2+);]/calmodulin (CaM) signal of MG63 osteoblast-like cells.

METHODS:

A special designed large gradient high magnetic field could produce three different high magneto-gravitational environments including μg (12 T), 1 g (16 T) and 2 g (12 T). The effects of high magneto-gravitational environments on intracellular free Ca(2+);] concentration ([Ca(2+);](i);) and protein expression including calmodulin (CaM), myosin light chain kinases (MLCK) and phosphorylated Ca(2+);]/CaM dependent protein kinase II(pCaMKII) were measured by Fluo-3/AM or Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS:

When compared with control group, an increase of [Ca(2+);](i); of MG63 was caused by strong magnetic field; Compared to 2 g, μg decreased [Ca(2+);](i); of MG63. The protein expression of CaM and pCaMKIIof MG63 cells was decreased by simulated weightlessness.

CONCLUSION:

[Ca(2+);](i); of MG63 cells was increased by strong magnetic field; simulated weightlessness inhibited Ca(2+);/CaM signaling of MG63 cells.