Extremely low frequency 7 Hz 100 microT electromagnetic radiation promotes differentiation in the human epithelial cell line HaCaT

Electromagn Biol Med. 2006;25(4):269-80. doi: 10.1080/15368370601044184.

Abstract

Electromagnetic therapy is a treatment method in which an electromagnetic or magnetic stimulus is used to achieve physiological changes in the body. The specific aim of the present work concerns the effectiveness of low frequency electromagnetic fields to modify the biochemical properties of human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cells exposed to a 7 Hz 100 microT electromagnetic field for one hour (twice daily), indicated modification in shape and morphology. These modifications were also associated with different actin distribution as revealed by phalloidin fluorescence analysis. Indirect immunofluorescence with fluorescent antibodies against involucrin and beta-Catenin, both differentiation and adhesion markers, revealed an increase in involucrin and beta-Catenin expression, supporting the conclusion that exposure to electromagnetic field carries keratinocytes to an upper differentiation level. This study confirms our previous observation and supports the hypothesis that 7 Hz electromagnetic field, may modify cell biochemistry interfering in the differentiation and cellular adhesion of normal keratinocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytoskeleton / radiation effects
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Fluorescent Dyes / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / radiation effects*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Phalloidine / pharmacology
  • Protein Precursors / biosynthesis
  • Time Factors
  • beta Catenin / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Actins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Protein Precursors
  • beta Catenin
  • Phalloidine
  • involucrin