To study in vitro neuritogenesis during cell exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields of different intensities and durations using pheochromocytoma-derived cell line (PC12 cells) as neuronal model.
Differentiated (obtained by NGF incubation) and undifferentiated cells were exposed and analysed during the exposure (acute effects) or after long exposure times (days).
| Exposure | Parameters |
|---|---|
|
Exposure 1:
50 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 1 to 7 days
|
|
|
Exposure 2:
50 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 30 min
|
|
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 1 to 7 days |
| Additional info | horizontally polarized |
| Measurand | Value | Type | Method | Mass | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| magnetic flux density | 0.1 mT | - | - | - | +/- 2 % |
| magnetic flux density | 1 mT | - | - | - | +/- 2 % |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 30 min |
| Additional info | horizontally polarized |
| Exposure source | |
|---|---|
| Setup | pair of Helmholtz coils with a radius of 445 mm each and a distance of 400 mmm placed perpendicular to the ground in the working zone of a confocal microscope on a non-magnetic carrier; dishes with cells located in the spherical exposure area with a radius of 10 mm in the centre of the microscope stage |
| Sham exposure | A sham exposure was conducted. |
| Measurand | Value | Type | Method | Mass | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| magnetic flux density | 0.1 mT | - | - | - | +/- 2 % |
| magnetic flux density | 1 mT | - | - | - | +/- 2 % |
The long-lasting extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure did not appear to significantly affect the response of PC12 cells (proliferation and neuritogenesis).
However, during the acute exposure (30 min.), in undifferentiated PC12 cells, reactive oxygen species levels increased (at 1 mT) and catalase enzyme activity decreased (at 0.1 and 1 mT). In contrast, an increased catalase enzyme activity was found after chronic exposure (7 days) at 1 mT. Acute exposures (0.1 and 1 mT) reduced the spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ variations in undifferentiated cells. Basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration did not change during acute (30 min) exposure, but increased in undifferentiated cells after chronic exposure (7 days). In addition, acute exposure affected cell response of undifferentiated cells to a depolarizing agent (potassium chloride and thapsigargin in calcium free medium), while basal membrane potential was not changed.
The authors support the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ could be the cellular "primum movens" of the extremely low frequency electromagnetic field induced effects on biological systems.
This website uses cookies to provide you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies.
