Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Exposure of rats to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) alters cytokines production. med./bio.

By: Salehi I, Sani KG, Zamani A

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2013; 32 (1): 1-8

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine whether extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields alter the synthesis of cytokines in rats.

Background/further details

After exposure or sham exposure, rats were sacrificed (n=40). Blood was taken and the serum was analyzed for the level of cytokines. Additionally, whole blood and spleen cells were cultivated and the production of cytokines in these cell cultures were determined.

Endpoint

effects on the immune system: production of cytokines in spleen cell cultures and whole blood cell cultures, level of cytokines in blood serum

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: 2 hours/day for 3 month	magnetic flux density: 99 µT mean (± 2 µT)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Waveform	sinusoidal
Exposure duration	2 hours/day for 3 month

Exposure setup

Exposure source	coil(s) solenoid
Chamber	plastic cages (5 rats/cage) in the middle of the exposure system, 21-22 °C, humidity 55-65 %
Setup	solenoid coil with a length of 2 m and radius of 20 centimeters, 1000 turns per meter; diameter of the copper wire was 2 mm
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	99 µT	mean	measured and calculated	-	± 2 µT

Reference articles

Mevissen M et al. (1998): Complex effects of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure in vivo on immune functions in female Sprague-Dawley rats depend on duration of exposure.

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar albino
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the immune system: production of cytokines (interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-12) in spleen cell cultures and whole blood cell cultures (activated with phytohemagglutinin, cytokine assay); level of cytokines in blood serum (ELISA) organ weight of spleen and thymus
body weight

Investigated system:

isolated bio./chem. substance
isolated organ
supernatant of spleen cell culture and whole blood cell culture, blood serum

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant differences in the levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 as well as in the weight of the organs and the body mass were found between the exposure and sham exposure group. In the exposed group the level of interleukin-6 was significantly decreased in the blood cell culture and the spleen cell culture in comparison to the sham exposed group. Additionally, the concentration of interleukin-12 was significantly increased in the blood serum of exposed rats in comparison to sham exposed rats.
The results indicate that exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields could alter the production of cytokines in rats.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Molaei S et al. (2019): Effect of 50-Hz Magnetic Fields on Serum IL-1β and IL-23 and Expression of BLIMP-1, XBP-1, and IRF-4.
Sobhanifard M et al. (2019): Effect of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Expression of T-bet and GATA-3 Genes and Serum Interferon-γ and Interleukin-4.
Wyszkowska J et al. (2018): Evaluation of the influence of in vivo exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.
Mahdavinejad L et al. (2018): Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Decrease Serum Levels of Interleukin-17, Transforming Growth Factor-β and Downregulate Foxp3 Expression in the Spleen.
Luo X et al. (2016): Occupational exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields does not alter responses of inflammatory genes and activation of splenic lymphocytes in mice.
Zhang H et al. (2016): Protective effect of procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod on immune function injury induced by extremely low frequency electromagnetic field.
Fan W et al. (2015): 50 Hz electromagnetic field exposure promotes proliferation and cytokine production of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
Bouwens M et al. (2012): Low-frequency electromagnetic fields do not alter responses of inflammatory genes and proteins in human monocytes and immune cell lines.
de Kleijn S et al. (2011): Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure does not modulate toll-like receptor signaling in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Salerno S et al. (2009): Reversible effect of magnetic fields on human lymphocyte activation patterns: different sensitivity of naive and memory lymphocyte subsets.
Cicekcibasi AE et al. (2008): Determination of the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the percentages of peripheral blood leukocytes and histology of lymphoid organs of the mouse.
Ushiyama A et al. (2004): Subchronic effects on leukocyte-endothelial interactions in mice by whole body exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields.
Jasti AC et al. (2001): Effect of a wound healing electromagnetic field on inflammatory cytokine gene expression in rats.
Häußler M et al. (1999): Exposure of rats to a 50-Hz, 100 muTesla magnetic field does not affect the ex vivo production of interleukins by activated T or B lymphocytes.
Thun-Battersby S et al. (1999): Lymphocyte subset analyses in blood, spleen and lymph nodes of female Sprague-Dawley rats after short or prolonged exposure to a 50 Hz 100-microT magnetic field.
Mevissen M et al. (1998): Complex effects of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure in vivo on immune functions in female Sprague-Dawley rats depend on duration of exposure.
Petrini C et al. (1997): Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon-gamma production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed in vitro to sinusoidal 50 Hz magnetic fields.