Elevation of heat shock gene expression from static magnetic field exposure in vitro

Previously, we found that extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields were able to elicit an approximate 3.5-fold increase in heat shock gene expression, a response which may have applicability to cancer therapy. Based on recent studies demonstrating the ability of magnetic fields to influence gene expression, we hypothesized that low level static magnetic fields may be able to affect heat shock gene expression while avoiding some of the clinical difficulties that arise with electric fields. Transfected rat primary cells in monolayer were exposed to magnetic fields of 1 to 440 mT for 16, 24, or 48 h starting at 24 and 48 h post transfection. Heat shock protein (HSP70) expression, as indicated by a promoter linked luciferase reporter, was followed for up to 96 h and showed a dependence on flux density, exposure duration, and start time post transfection. A nonlinear response was observed for increasing flux density with a maximum of a 3.5-fold increase in expression for 48 h of exposure starting 48 h after transfection. These results demonstrate an enhancement of gene expression similar in magnitude to that observed with external electric field exposure, while eliminating many of the clinical complications.