Reversible effect of MR and ELF magnetic fields (0.5 T and 0.5 mT) on human lymphocyte activation patterns

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of magnetic fields (MF) of different intensity generated by a magnetic resonance (MR) unit (0.5 Tesla) and a double cylindrical coil (0.5 mTesla) on human CD4+ T cell lines. Materials and methods: CD4+ T cells were exposed for two hours under isothermal conditions (37 ± 0.5°C) to the above mentioned MF; a control group was provided for each exposed sample. After exposure, the samples were analysed in the laboratory for the following endpoints: Release of cytokines, expression of surface markers, cell proliferation and levels of cytosolic free-calcium. Results: Exposure to MF for 2 h and subsequent in vitro stimulation in the presence of the appropriate mitogen, caused a decrease of interferon-γ production, a decrease of cell proliferation, a decrease of expression of CD25 and a decrease of cytosolic free calcium concentration in exposed CD4+ T cell lines. Data obtained, were statistically significant when evaluated after 24 h of in vitro culture, but were not significant, for both types of MF, when the experimental groups were analysed after prolonged in vitro culture. Conclusion: These results indicate that static magnetic fields (SMF) can give rise to transient biological effects on T lymphocytes and the present system is a sensitive model for understanding the effects of MF on the immune system.