Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Fifty hertz extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure elicits redox and trophic response in rat-cortical neurons med./bio.

Published in: J Cell Physiol 2009; 219 (2): 334-343

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the changes in the redox status and the antioxidant and detoxificant enzymatic defence protection, as well as the variations in growth factor and cytokine expression profile induced in rat cortical neurons by the exposure to two different extremely low frequency magnetic field intensities (0.1 and 1 mT) during cell maturation.

Background/further details

The levels of malondialdehyde were also investigated in order to evaluate whether this extremely low frequency magnetic field-based experimental model is able to cause evident oxidative damages to high polyunsaturated fatty acids-rich neuronal cell membranes (typically for cortical neurons).
The study was performed with cortical neurons because these cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative stressors and are also highly dependent on the specific factors and proteins governing neuronal development, activity and survival.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 7 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 7 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup solenoids with forced air circulation
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.1 mT - measured - reference level recommended by the European Community for general public exposure
magnetic flux density 1 mT - measured - 10-fold the reference level recommended by the European Community for occupational exposure

Reference articles

  • Piacentini R et al. (2008): Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields promote in vitro neurogenesis via upregulation of Ca(v)1-channel activity
  • Lisi A et al. (2005): Exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic radiation promote early maturation and differentiation in newborn rat cerebellar granule neurons

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed that extremely low frequency magnetic fields affected positively the cell viability and concomitantly reduced the levels of apoptotic cell death in rat neuronal primary cultures, with no significant effects on the main anti-oxidative defences. Linear regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between the levels of reduced glutathione and reactive oxygen species in 1 mT magnetic field-exposed cells.
This adaptive response was probably mediated by a redox-related mechanism involving reduced glutathione scavenging action and by the enhancement of neurotrophic support.

Study character:

Study funded by

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