Effects of strong magnetic fields on cell growth and radiation response of human T-lymphocytes in culture

• Published in: Journal of UOEH Vol. 15; no. 2; p. 103
• Main Authors: Norimura, T, Imada, H, Kunugita, N, Yoshida, N, Nikaido, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan 01-06-1993
• Subjects: Cell Death - radiation effects; Cell Division - radiation effects; Cells, Cultured; Electromagnetic Fields; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; T-Lymphocytes - radiation effects
• ISSN: 0387-821X
• DOI: 10.7888/juoeh.15.103

Experiments were undertaken in order to verify whether or not a strong magnetic field would have any biological effects on the cell growth, viability and radiation response of mammalian cells. Magnetic field exposures were conducted using a superconducting magnet with freshly-isolated human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes maintained at their normal growing temperature of 37 degrees C. The static magnetic fields with intensities up to 6.3-tesla (T) exerted little influence on the cell growth and viability of actively-growing T-lymphocytes under normal cell-culture conditions. On the other hand, the T cells exposed to the magnetic fields (4 T-6.3 T) during PHA stimulation were inhibited in their cell growth when compared to controls. The effects of the magnetic fields with intensities up to 2 T on cell growth properties, however, were minimal in this system. Also, the radiosensitivity of T-lymphocytes previously exposed to the strong magnetic fields was more sensitive than that of control cells. These results suggest that exposure to a static magnetic field of 4 T or stronger might lead to physiological and growth abnormalities at the cellular level.