Sinusoidal electromagnetic field stimulates rat osteoblast differentiation and maturation via activation of NO-cGMP-PKG pathway

► We investigated the effects of sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (SEMF) on maturation and NO signal pathway of osteoblasts. ► SEMF treatment significantly increased NOS and ALP activity, osterix gene expression and mineralized bone nodules. ► The inhibitors of NO pathway L-NAME, ODQ and PED5 prevented SEMF's stimulation of NOS activity, cGMP level and PKG activity. ► These inhibitors partially blocked the increases of osteogenic markers. ► We concluded that SEMF treatment stimulates osteoblast differentiation partially via activation of NO-cGMP-PKG pathway.