An integrated ELF magnetic-field generator and incubator for long-term in vitro studies.
Long-term studies of the effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on cells in culture require an incubator that is free of contaminating magnetic fields and that provides automatic control of exposure duration, uniform applied fields, a uniform and well-controlled environmental temperature, and high reliability of the total system. We describe a dual-incubator system in which the enclosed solenoid of either unit can provide a sham exposure while the other generates a magnetic induction of up to 500 microT. Each solenoid-incubator unit contains an enclosed rack that can hold as many as 140 petri dishes for culturing cells; each unit is heated radiantly by circulating warm water. Field-exposure conditions and temperatures are continuously monitored and controlled by a microcomputer.
Jones
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Research Service-151, J.L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 92357.
Sheppard
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D002478:Cells, Cultured; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D007185:Incubators; D013997:Time Factors