Electromagnetic field effects on cells of the immune system: The role of calcium signaling

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States)

OSTI ID:7181251

Walleczek, J ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (United States)

During the past decade considerable evidence has accumulated demonstrating that nonthermal exposures of cells of the immune system to extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (< 300 Hz) can elicit cellular changes that might be relevant to in vivo immune activity. A similar responsiveness to nonionizing electromagnetic energy in this frequency range has also been documented for tissues of the neuroendocrine and musculoskeletal system. However, knowledge about the underlying biological mechanisms by which such fields can induce cellular changes is still very limited. It is generally believed that the cell membrane and Ca[sup 2+]-regulated activity is involved in bioactive ELF field coupling to living systems. This article begins with a short review of the current state of knowledge concerning the effects of nonthermal levels of ELF electromagnetic fields on the biochemistry and activity of immune cells and then closely examines new results that suggest a role for Ca[sup 2+] in the induction of these cellular field effects. Based on these findings it is proposed that membrane-mediated Ca[sup 2+] in the induction of these cellular field effects. Based on these findings it is proposed that membrane-mediated Ca[sup 2+] signaling processes are involved in the mediation of field effects on the immune system. 69 refs., 2 tabs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 7181251
• Journal Information: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States), Journal Name: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States) Vol. 6:13; ISSN FAJOEC; ISSN 0892-6638
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ANIMAL CELLS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
CALCIUM
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
ELEMENTS
IMMUNE REACTIONS
METALS