Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Low-energy electromagnetic fields promote proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells med./bio.

By: Kobbert C, Berndt A, Bierbaum T, Sontag W, Breithardt G, Weissen-Plenz G, Sindermann JR
Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2008; 27 (1): 41-53
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of low-energy electromagnetic fields on the proliferation of bovine and murine vascluar smooth muscle cells and human endothelial cells.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 5, 15, 30 min
Exposure 2: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 5, 15, 30 min
  • I = 100 µA, 200 µA, 300 µA
Exposure 3: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 2 times 5, 15, 30 min

General information

for further information on the setup see also: Dertinger, H., Sontag,W., "Electromagnetic fields: mode of action." 1998 in: Holick, M.F., Junf, E.G., eds., "Biologic Effects of Light." Boston/London/Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Press, pp. 281 - 286 Knedlitschek, G., Gottwald, E. Weibezahn, K.F., 1998, "Effects of interferential current in cellular systems.", in: Holick, M.F., Junf, E.G., eds., "Biologic Effects of Light." Boston/London/Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Press, pp. 303 - 311

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 5, 15, 30 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with a diameter of 140 mm and 2 x 112 turns of copper wire each; distance between coils = 70 mm
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 36 µT - measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 5, 15, 30 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
cf. remarks - - - - I = 100 µA, 200 µA, 300 µA

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 2 times 5, 15, 30 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 36 µT - measured - -
cf. remarks - - measured - I = 100 µA, 200 µA, 300 µA

Reference articles

  • Sontag W et al. (1998): Response of cytosolic calcium, cyclic AMP, and cyclic GMP in dimethylsulfoxide-differentiated HL-60 cells to modulated low frequency electric currents
  • Schimmelpfeng J et al. (1997): Action of 50 Hz magnetic fields on cAMP content in SV40-3T3 cells: dependence on flux density and extracellular calcium
  • Schimmelpfeng J et al. (1995): Action of 50 Hz magnetic fields on cyclic AMP and intercellular communication in monolayers and spheroids of mammalian cells

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Significant increases cell proliferation were found in both bovine and murine smooth muscle cell for all electromagnetic field frequencies tested. The effect was most pronounced for 50 Hz fields. Sequential double exposure of mouse aortic smooth muscle cells to 50 Hz fields revealed significantly enhanced cell proliferation compared with single exposure.
These results indicate that electromagnetic fields are capable of significantly enhancing the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Study character:

Study funded by

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