To test the efficacy of very low frequency alternating current (AC) in altering cell cycle of normal and neoplastic cells as novel electrical approach for the treatment of neoplasms or other hyperplastic disorders.
Epileptic astrocyte cultures are established from human cortical tissue of patients undergoing temporal lobectomies to relieve medically intractable seizure.
A possible interaction between cell cycle and KIR3.2 (inward rectifier potassium channel) channel activity is suggested.
| Exposure | Parameters |
|---|---|
|
Exposure 1:
10 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 3 to 5 days
cells were stimulated with 0.17 µA
|
- |
|
Exposure 2:
25 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 3 to 5 days
cells were stimulated with 1.7 µA
|
- |
|
Exposure 3:
50 Hz
Modulation type:
pulsed
Exposure duration:
continuous for 3 to 5 days
cells were stimulated with 8.5 µA
|
|
|
Exposure 4:
75 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 3 to 5 days
cells were stimulated with 17 µA
|
- |
|
Exposure 5:
100 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 3 to 5 days
cells were stimulated with 170 µA
|
- |
| Frequency | 10 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 3 to 5 days |
| Additional info | cells were stimulated with 0.17 µA |
| Modulation type | unspecified |
|---|
| Exposure source |
|
|---|---|
| Setup | Cells were grown in 24 well plates. Each plate was located between the electrodes. |
No parameters are specified for this exposure.
| Frequency | 25 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 3 to 5 days |
| Additional info | cells were stimulated with 1.7 µA |
| Modulation type | unspecified |
|---|
| Exposure source |
|
|---|
No parameters are specified for this exposure.
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 3 to 5 days |
| Additional info | cells were stimulated with 8.5 µA |
| Exposure source |
|
|---|
| Measurand | Value | Type | Method | Mass | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| current density | 3 µA/cm² | peak value | calculated | - | at the middle of the well |
| Frequency | 75 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 3 to 5 days |
| Additional info | cells were stimulated with 17 µA |
| Modulation type | unspecified |
|---|
| Exposure source |
|
|---|
No parameters are specified for this exposure.
| Frequency | 100 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 3 to 5 days |
| Additional info | cells were stimulated with 170 µA |
| Modulation type | unspecified |
|---|
| Exposure source |
|
|---|
No parameters are specified for this exposure.
The data show that in the absence of thermal influences, low frequency, low-intensity, alternating current directly affects cell proliferation without a significant deleterious contribution to cell survival. These effects were revealed in normal human cells and in brain and prostate neoplasms, but not in lung cancer. The effects of alternating current stimulation required a permissive role for KIR3.2 potassium channels and were mimicked by raising extracellular potassium concentrations.
Cell death could be achieved at higher alternating current frequencies (>75 Hz) or intensities (>8.5 µA). At lower frequencies/intensities, alternating current stimulation did not cause apoptotic cellular changes.
The results implicate a role for transmembrane potassium fluxes via inward rectifier potassium channels in the regulation of cell cycle. The data suggest a potential clinical application of electrical stimulation to reduce cell proliferation.
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