Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Weak electromagnetic fields (50 Hz) elicit a stress response in human cells med./bio.

Published in: Environ Res 2004; 94 (2): 145-151

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fileds (ELF EMF) alone and in combination with thermal stress on the expression of heat shock protein genes in human myeloid leukemia (HL-60) cells in vitro.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min
  • magnetic flux density: 10 µT minimum (20 µT, 40 µT, 60 µT, 80 µT, 100 µT and 140 µT +/- 0.4 µT.)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber Plastic chamber maintained at 37°C and/or 43°C.
Setup The chamber containing the samples was placed in the center of the coils.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 10 µT minimum cf. remarks - 20 µT, 40 µT, 60 µT, 80 µT, 100 µT and 140 µT +/- 0.4 µT.

Reference articles

  • Junkersdorf B et al. (2000): Electromagnetic fields enhance the stress response at elevated temperatures in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The results of this study show that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields are capable to induce the expression of genes encoding for heat shock proteins (in particular HSP 70 A, B, and C). This reaction is enhanced by a simultanious thermal stress (43°C for 30 minutes). These effect was found at all different flux densitys tested with a maximum at flux density of 60-80 µT.

Study character:

Study funded by

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