[Effects of sodium on rat osteoblast and the role of epithelial sodium channel].

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of sodium on rat osteoblast function and explore the role of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in such effects.

METHODS

The proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts were evaluated following treatment with 1×10(-4) mol/L to 1 mol/L Na(+). The mRNA expressions of the osteogenic genes and ENaC-α gene in the treated cells were assessed using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Within the concentration of 1×10(-4) mol/L to 1 mol/L, Na(+) showed a two-way effect on the osteoblasts: low-concentration Na(+) (1×10(-4) mol/L) significantly promoted osteoblast differen- tiation, while at higher concentrations (0.5 and 1 mol/L), Na(+) produced an opposite effect. Sodium did not significantly affect osteoblast proliferation. Low-concentration Na(+) significantly increased the transcription of Cbfa1, OPN and OC, while high concentrations of Na(+) decreased their transcription. Low-concentration Na(+) also enhanced the mRNA expression of ENaC-α, but high-concentration Na(+) treatment lowered ENaC-α mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

Na(+) displays a direct dose-related effect on osteoblasts by affecting its differentiation, osteogenic gene expression profile, and ENaC-α gene expression, suggesting the involvement of ENaC in Na(+)-mediated functional modulation of rat osteoblasts.