Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of electromagnetic field exposure on chemically induced differentiation of friend erythroleukemia cells med./bio.

Published in: Environ Health Perspect 2000; 108 (10): 967-972

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This in vitro study was performed to explore the question whether the exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field can contribute to tumor promotion.

Background/further details

The tumor promotion was investigated in the undifferentiated progenitor erythrocyte cell line which can be artificially induced in its differentiation. The cell differentiation (hemoglobin concentration, telomerase activity: marker of undifferentiated cells) and the cell proliferation served as indicator of effects on tumor promotion. TPA treated cells were the positive control.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 60 Hz
Exposure duration: 3 days continuous

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 60 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 3 days continuous
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber plastic chambers 85 x 85 x 90 cm; cell samples placed on a grid 10 cm from bottom, 7cm above intake port
Setup 8 coils per chamber arranged in four in a Merrit configuration
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT maximum measured - -
magnetic flux density 0.1 mT minimum measured - -
power 0.001 nW average over time measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The cell proliferation extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposed cells was significantly higher than in sham exposed cells.
The exposure the electromagnetic field resulted in a dose dependent inhibition of the cell differentiation, reflected in a less diminished telomerase activity and lower hemoglobin concentration in exposed cells compared to sham exposed cells.
Summarized, extremely low frequency electromagnetic field can partially block the differentiation of the investigated cell line.

Study character:

Study funded by

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