A 50-Hz magnetic field induces structural and biophysical changes in membranes.
The effects of a 50-Hz extremely low frequency magnetic field on cultured K562 cells growing in suspension were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Exposure of K562 cells at 2.5 mT for periods to 96 hours induced significant changes in cell-surface structure and physiology without modification of proliferative capability as indicated by quantitative analysis. Thus extremely low frequency fields seem able to induce injurious, sublethal cell alterations, and the plasma membrane seems to play an important role in this effect.
Department of Ultrastructures, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Paradisi
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Donelli
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Santini
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Straface
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Malorni
D002455:Cell Division / Q000528:radiation effects; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013997:Time Factors; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000528:radiation effects*