Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

DNA damage in rat lymphocytes treated in vitro with iron cations and exposed to 7 mT magnetic fields (static or 50 Hz) med./bio.

By: Zmyslony M, Palus J, Jajte J, Dziubaltowska E, Rajkowska E
Published in: Mutation Research - Fundamental and Molecular Mechanism of Mutagenesis 2000; 453 (1): 89-96
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To verify the hypothesis that exposure of the cells (isolated rat lymphocytes) to 50 Hz or static magnetic fields and simultaneous treatment with a known oxidant, ferrous chloride (FeCl2), may affect the oxidative deterioration of DNA molecules.

Background/further details

During magnetic field exposure, part of the cell samples were incubated with 0.01µM H2O2 and another one with 10 µg/ml FeCl2, the rest served as controls.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1:
Exposure duration: continuous for 3 h
Exposure 2: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 3 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 3 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup Lymphocyte suspensions were exposed to magnetic field in a small water bath (37°C) which was placed inside the coils. Control samples kept in water bath outside the coil.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 7 mT unspecified measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 3 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 7 mT unspecified measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Lymphocyte exposure to magnetic field at 7 mT did not increase the number of cells with DNA damage. Incubation of lymphocytes with FeCl2 did not produce a detectable damage of DNA either.
However, when the FeCl2-incubated lymphocytes were simultaneously exposed to 7 mT magnetic field, the number of damaged cells was significantly increased (about 20% for static magnetic field and 15% for power frequency (50 Hz) magnetic field). In the control samples about 97% of the cells did not have any DNA damage.
It is not possible at present to offer a reasonable explanation for the findings (the high increase in the number of lymphocytes showing symptoms of DNA damage following simultaneous exposure). The authors hypothesise that under the influence of simultaneous exposure to FeCl2 and static magnetic field or 50 Hz magnetic field, the number of reactive oxygen species generated by iron cations may increase substantially.

Study character:

Study funded by

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