Increased apoptosis, changes in intracellular Ca2+, and functional alterations in lymphocytes and macrophages after in vitro exposure to static magnetic field.
Electromagnetic-related alteration of cellular functions is well documented for extremely low-frequency low-energy pulsing electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). In this study we examined the in vitro effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) on the cellular immune parameters of the C57BI/6 murine macrophages, spleen lymphocytes, and thymic cells. The cells were exposed in vitro for 24 h at 37 degrees C, 5% CO2, to 250-1500 G SMF. Exposure to the SMF resulted in the decreased phagocytic uptake of fluorescent latex microspheres, which was accompanied by an increased intracellular Ca2+ level in macrophages. Exposure to SMF decreased mitogenic responses in lymphocytes, as determined by incorporation of [3H]thymidine into the cells. This was associated with the increased Ca2+ influx in concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocytes. Furthermore, exposure to SMF produced markedly increased apoptosis of thymic cells, as determined by flow cytometry. Overall, in vitro exposure of immunocompetent cells to 250-1500 G SMF altered several functional parameters of C57BI/6 murine macrophages, thymocytes, and spleen lymphocytes.
Flipo
D
D
TOXEN and Départment des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada.
Fournier
M
M
Benquet
C
C
Roux
P
P
Le Boulaire
C
C
Pinsky
C
C
LaBella
F S
FS
Krzystyniak
K
K
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007424:Intracellular Fluid; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects
D007376:Interleukin-2; D002118:Calcium