Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Fifty Hertz electromagnetic field exposure stimulates secretion of beta-amyloid peptide in cultured human neuroglioma med./bio.

By: Del Giudice E, Facchinetti F, Nofrate V, Boccaccio P, Minelli T, Dam M, Leon A, Moschini G
Published in: Neurosci Lett 2007; 418 (1): 9-12
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

This study was performed to examine the effects of the exposure to 3.1 mT 50 Hz low frequency electromagnetic field on amyloid beta secretion in human neuroglioma cells in vitro.

Background/further details

Amyloid beta is a peptide (39-43 amino acids) that is the main constituent of amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. It is generated through cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 18 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 18 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup 20 cm long solenoid 9.5 cm x 15.5 cm with 10 turns/cm
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 3.1 mT - - - +/- 0.2 mT

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields for 18 hours caused a significant increase of amyloid beta secretion, including the isoform amyloid beta 1-42. The cell viability was not affected.
These data indicate that the exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields stimulate the amyloid beta secretion in vitro, thus alluding to a potential link between low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure and amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in the brain.

Study character:

Study funded by

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