ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the change of Ca2+ density in cultured osteoclast-like cells in response to fluid shear stress.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Laser scanning confocal microscope and fluorescent probe were used to detect the free Ca2+ in osteoclast-like cells before and after undergoing fluid shear stress. The images were analyzed and compared with image software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 37 degrees C the free Ca2+ in osteoclast-like cells could be labelled effectively with 10 micromol/L Fluo-3/AM. Compared with contol group, the average intensity of Ca2+ fluorescent signal in osteoclast-like cells undergoing fluid shear stress increased significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Cal2+ concentration in bone-marrow derived osteoclast-like cells is sensitive to fluid shear stress, which suggests osteoclast-like cells modulate their function in response to fluid shear stress through the change of free Ca2+ concentration.</p>