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Updated: Aug 26, 2026
Electric and Magnetic Field Devices for Stimulation of Biological Tissues
Published on: May 15, 2021
50 Hz magnetic fields activate mussel immunocyte p38 MAP kinase and induce HSP70 and 90
Davide Malagoli1, Mauro Lusvardi, Fabriziomaria Gobba
1Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 213/D, 41100 Modena, Italy.
Abstract:
Fifty hertz magnetic fields (MFs) induced the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) 70 and 90 in immunocytes of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Animals exposed at 300 microT for three different times (30; 2 x 30; 3 x 30 min), did not show differences in the HSP densitometric values in comparison with non-exposed mussels. At 400 microT, exposed animals showed a time-dependent increase in HSP expression as revealed by Western blot. After exposure to 600 microT, the HSP densitometric values were significantly higher than controls but not related to exposure duration. The induction of HSPs is concomitant with the activation of p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway. The present findings suggest the possibility to modulate the expression of HSPs by an appropriate time-intensity magnetic field exposure.
Insights
Fifty hertz magnetic fields (MFs) can alter heat shock protein (HSP) expression in mussels. Higher intensity MFs, specifically at 400 microT and above, induced a notable increase in HSPs, suggesting a potential for controlled biological responses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Molecular Biology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial cellular protectants.
- Magnetic fields (MFs) are environmental factors with potential biological effects.
- Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) are sensitive marine bioindicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of 50 Hz magnetic fields (MFs) on HSP70 and HSP90 expression in mussel immunocytes.
- To determine the relationship between MF intensity, exposure duration, and HSP induction.
- To explore the involvement of the p38 MAP kinase pathway in MF-induced HSP expression.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to 50 Hz MFs at varying intensities (300, 400, 600 microT) and durations.
- Quantification of HSP70 and HSP90 expression using Western blot analysis.
- Assessment of p38 MAP kinase pathway activation.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in HSP expression were observed at 300 microT.
- A time-dependent increase in HSP expression was noted at 400 microT.
- Significant HSP induction occurred at 600 microT, independent of exposure duration.
- HSP induction was accompanied by p38 MAP kinase pathway activation.
Conclusions:
- Fifty hertz MFs can modulate HSP expression in mussel immunocytes.
- MF intensity is a critical factor in inducing HSPs, with higher intensities showing a stronger effect.
- The findings suggest that controlled MF exposure could be used to modulate cellular stress responses, potentially via the p38 MAP kinase pathway.
