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Electric fields in bone marrow substructures at power-line frequencies.
Roanna S Chiu1, Maria A Stuchly
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada.
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|June 28, 2005
Summary
Electromagnetic fields from power lines may impact bone marrow cells. Numerical models show electric fields can cause significant transmembrane potential changes, suggesting a potential link to childhood leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Leukemia originates in bone marrow.
- The relationship between electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and childhood leukemia is under investigation.
- Subcellular effects of EMF exposure require further study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subcellular effects of power-line frequency electromagnetic fields on bone marrow.
- To model bone marrow substructures exposed to electric fields numerically.
- To assess the biological significance of electric field-induced changes in bone marrow cells.
Main Methods:
- Numerical computation using the finite element method (FEM) and scalar potential finite difference method.
- Modeling of cancellous bone structures using computed tomography scan data.
- FEM implementation for bone marrow stroma cells with thin film approximation.
Main Results:
- A maximum electric field enhancement of 50% was observed in bone marrow substructures.
- Transmembrane potential (TMP) changes in bone marrow stroma cells ranged from several to over 200 microV.
- Calculations suggest biologically significant TMP changes can occur.
Conclusions:
- Numerical models indicate electric fields can induce significant transmembrane potential changes in bone marrow cells.
- These findings suggest a potential subcellular mechanism linking EMF exposure to leukemia.
- Further research is warranted to explore the implications for childhood leukemia.