Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Exposure to a 50 Hz electromagnetic field induces activation of the Epstein-Barr virus genome in latently infected human lymphoid cells med./bio.

By: Grimaldi S, Pasquali E, Barbatano L, Lisi A, Santoro N, Serafino A, Pozzi D
Published in: J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 1997; 16 (2-3): 205-207
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of electromagnetic fields on the Epstein-Barr virus replication.

Background/further details

Human B lymphocytes latently infected with the Epstein-Barr virus genome was used as model system to monitor the effect of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 72 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
  • unspecified
Exposure duration continuous for 72 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup Cells were exposed in a 37°C thermostated solenoid. Control cells were placed in a cell incubator.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 2 mT unspecified unspecified - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No statistically significant difference was found in the growth rates of exposed and non-exposed cells. Exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic field resulted in an increased number of cells expressing the virus antigens (18% activation of the EBV genome compared to 4% in the control cells). This finding provides evidence that DNA can be modulated by a magnetic field.

Study character:

Study funded by

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