Effects of 50Hz magnetic field exposure on the rate of RNA synthesis by normal human fibroblasts

Abstract

Purpose : To investigate whether exposure to magnetic fields can affect the rate of RNA synthesis, a broad measure of cellular activity. Materials and methods : Normal human fibroblasts were exposed to 50Hz magnetic fields at a range of flux densities between 2 mu T and 20 mT. The rate of synthesis of total RNA was determined by following the incorporation of \[3H]uridine into macromolecular material. In addition, polyadenylated RNA was isolated and used to estimate the rate of synthesis of mRNA. Results : Incorporation of \[3H]uridine into both total and messenger RNA increased progressively throughout the 5h exposure period in all cells. However, magnetic field exposure had no detectable effect on the rate of synthesis of either total or messenger RNA when compared with controls. Conclusions : These findings indicate that under the conditions examined, gross transcription rates are not affected by exposure to power frequency magnetic fields. Taken together with previous data, this suggests that if magnetic fields do alter cellular activity, the effect is likely to be extremely subtle.