The effect of a 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field of nonthermal intensity on Ca2+ metabolism in rat thymic lymphocytes (thymocytes) was assessed in resting cells and in cells activated with the mitogen Concanavalin A (Con A). A 60 min exposure at 37°C to an induced electric field of 1.0 80396-Z/asset/equation/feb2001457939080396z-math-si1.gif?v=1&s=5fed9f736757f529e1e6b7d10526ce127f806779)
produced an average 2.7-fold increase in Con A-dependent 45Ca2+ -uptake compared to non-exposed, isothermal control cells. In contrast, 45Ca2+ uptake remained unaltered during exposure of resting thymocytes. It was also found that thymocytes with a diminished ability to mobilize Ca2+ in response to Con A were most sensitive to the 60 Hz magnetic field. Although the precise mechanism of field interaction is at present unknown, modulation of Ca2+ metabolism during cell activation may represent a common pathway for field coupling to cellular systems.
