A single magnetic field exposure system for sequential investigation of real time and downstream cellular responses

Abstract

To be able to correlate real time membrane potential or ion flux changes with further downstream gene transcription responses due to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, we devised an experimental system consisting of a pair of symmetric circular coils. This system can be used on an inverted microscope stage (real time signaling) as well as inside controlled environment incubators (gene transcription end points). The system includes a unique, custom made switch box for blinding the experimental staff and a power amplifier. We report herein the design and characterization of the system with respect to parameters considered important in in vitro ELF-EMF exposure studies, including linear magnetic field distribution, compensation for microscope objective lens interference, heating effects of the coils, and harmonic content of the signals.

Intercellular communication in plants: evidence for two rapidly transmitted systemic signals generated in response to electromagnetic field stimulation in tomato

“…1999), anechoic chambers (Wilson et al. 2002) or custom‐made devices (Rao & Kisaalita 2004), but these create EMF characterized by plane waves of fixed angle and polarization that are fundamentally different from those present in the modern environment. By far, the best way to reproduce such EMF in a controlled environment is to use specifically designed equipment, the most versatile of which is the MSRC (Vian et al.…”

“…Diffraction of the electromagnetic waves by mountains, buildings and trees creates randomly polarized EMFs. Attempts to generate EMF to examine its biological effects have used transverse electromagnetic cells (Linz et al 1999), anechoic chambers (Wilson et al 2002) or custom-made devices (Rao & Kisaalita 2004), but these create EMF characterized by plane waves of fixed angle and polarization that are fundamentally different from those present in the modern environment. By far, the best way to reproduce such EMF in a controlled environment is to use specifically designed equipment, the most versatile of which is the MSRC ).…”

Microwave Irradiation Affects Gene Expression in Plants

“…While many reports point out its lack of effects on living organisms, 1,2 it can be argued that most studies have used unsuitable stimulation devices, primarily TEM-cells, 3 custom-made tools 4,5 or even commercial cell phones, 6 and address the problem at a very general level with little concern for underlying molecular-level events. 7 Most stimulation devices are inadequate, since they emit a signal as a plane wave with a fixed polarization and incidence.…”

Magnetic field exposure systems for the study of ELF effects

“…A considerable variety of exposure systems has been proposed to investigate the biological effects due to the exposure of ELF magnetic fields. Among them are 2 coil systems based on the Helmoltz configuration [7], 2 coil system in other configuration [8], 4 coil systems [9][10][11][12][13][14], solenoids [1] and also ferromagnetic cores [16]. Most of the systems employ two separate units in order to isolate the sham group from the field unit [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15], although shielded configuration have also been used [7].…”

“…Among them are 2 coil systems based on the Helmoltz configuration [7], 2 coil system in other configuration [8], 4 coil systems [9][10][11][12][13][14], solenoids [1] and also ferromagnetic cores [16]. Most of the systems employ two separate units in order to isolate the sham group from the field unit [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15], although shielded configuration have also been used [7]. The requirements for the exposure systems have been formulated by several authors [17][18][19] -large loading volume with uniform exposure; -High dynamic (µT-mT) and frequency ranges (subHzkHz); -allowance of complex signals and intermittent exposure; -good insulation between exposure and sham; -identical parameters for exposed and sham cell (preferably placed in the same incubator); -blinded exposure protocols by a computed controlled random decision maker; -continuous monitoring of all environmental and technical parameters in order to detect any malfunctions; -evaluation of possible artifacts such as parasitic E fields, temperature loads, vibrations, etc.…”