Fifty Hertz electromagnetic field exposure stimulates secretion of beta-amyloid peptide in cultured human neuroglioma.
Recent epidemiological studies raise the possibility that individuals with occupational exposure to low frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields (LF-EMF), are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms through which LF-EMF may affect AD pathology are unknown. We here tested the hypothesis that the exposure to LF-EMF may affect amyloidogenic processes. We examined the effect of exposure to 3.1 mT 50 Hz LF-EMF on Abeta secretion in H4 neuroglioma cells stably overexpressing human mutant amyloid precursor protein. We found that overnight exposure to LF-EMF induces a significant increase of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) secretion, including the isoform Abeta 1-42, without affecting cell survival. These findings show for the first time that exposure to LF-EMF stimulates Abeta secretion in vitro, thus alluding to a potential link between LF-EMF exposure and APP processing in the brain.
Del Giudice
Elda
E
Research & Innovation Company, Padova, Italy.
Facchinetti
Fabrizio
F
Nofrate
Valentina
V
Boccaccio
Pasquale
P
Minelli
Tullio
T
Dam
Mauro
M
Leon
Alberta
A
Moschini
Giuliano
G
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011827:Radiation
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides