Nonthermal 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic-field exposure enhances 45Ca2+ uptake in rat thymocytes: dependence on mitogen activation.
The effect of a 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field of nonthermal intensity on Ca2+ metabolism in rat thymic lymphocytes (thymocytes) was assessed in resting cells and in cells activated with the mitogen Concanavalin A (Con A). A 60 min exposure at 37 degrees C to an induced electric field of 1.0 mV/cm produced an average 2.7-fold increase in Con A-dependent 45Ca2(+)-uptake compared to non-exposed, isothermal control cells. In contrast, 45Ca2+ uptake remained unaltered during exposure of resting thymocytes. It was also found that thymocytes with a diminished ability to mobilize Ca2+ in response to Con A were most sensitive to the 60 Hz magnetic field. Although the precise mechanism of field interaction is at present unknown, modulation of Ca2+ metabolism during cell activation may represent a common pathway for field coupling to cellular systems.
Walleczek
J
J
Research Medicine and Radiation Biophysics Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California 94720.
Liburdy
R P
RP
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*
D003208:Concanavalin A; D002118:Calcium