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Time-varying magnetic fields increase cytosolic free Ca2+ in HL-60 cells
J J Carson1, F S Prato, D J Drost
1Lawson Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
The American Journal of Physiology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Exposure to time-varying magnetic fields significantly increases cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in HL-60 cells. This finding suggests a potential mechanism for electromagnetic field-induced biological effects.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Electromagnetism
Background:
- Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are known to elicit various biological responses.
- A leading hypothesis suggests these effects are mediated by alterations in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of EMF exposure on [Ca2+]i levels in HL-60 cells.
- To determine if specific EMF components (radiofrequency, static, time-varying) influence [Ca2+]i.
Main Methods:
- HL-60 cells loaded with the Ca2(+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator indo-1 were utilized.
- Cells were exposed to combined radiofrequency, static, and time-varying magnetic fields from an MRI unit.
- Separate exposures to radiofrequency and static fields were also conducted.
Main Results:
- Combined exposure to all three fields for 23 minutes significantly increased [Ca2+]i by 31 nM (P < 0.01).
- Exposure to only the time-varying magnetic field elevated [Ca2+]i by 34 nM (P < 0.01) compared to controls.
- Individual exposure to radiofrequency or static fields showed no significant effect on [Ca2+]i.
Conclusions:
- Time-varying magnetic fields demonstrably alter cytosolic free calcium concentrations.
- Elevated [Ca2+]i due to time-varying magnetic fields may underlie reported biological effects of EMFs.