Optimum intensities of ultrasound for PGE2 secretion and growth of osteoblasts

This study compared the effects of different intensity ultrasound (US) on osteoblasts in the far-field model with effects of the near-field model from the literature, to understand the relations between prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) and osteoblast growth. We used an in vitro model to investigate the effects of 1-MHz, pulsed 1:4, and five different spatial-average temporal-peak intensity (150, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 mW/cm(2)) US stimulations in far-field exposure (240 mm) on osteoblasts for 15 min. Optimum intensity in this study was 600 mW/cm(2), and cell density and PGE(2) secretion could be significantly stimulated at this intensity. This research may indicate that the growth of osteoblasts by US stimulation was, at least partly, due to increases in the synthesis and secretion of PGE(2). This well-controlled model can lead to further research on the biologic mechanisms for US. (C) 2002 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine Biology.