Static magnetic fields generated by a 0.5T MRI unit affects in vitro expression of activation markers and interleukin release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)

Abstract

Purpose : To investigate the eff ects of the static magnetic field (SMF) generated by a 0.5T superconducting MRI unit on in vitro activation marker expression and interleukin release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from healthy volunteers. Materials and methods : PBMC samples were split into two groups: exposed and sham-exposed under isothermal conditions. PBMC were exposed for 2h at 24 C to the SMF of a 0.5T superconducting MRI unit. Immediately after exposure, both samples were cultured for 24h at 37 C with or without mitogenic stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). PBMC were examined for expression of CD25, CD69 and CD71 by immunofluorescence analysis and supernatants were assayed to quantify IFN- gamma , TNF- alpha and IL-4 by ELISA. Results : The 0.5T SMF produced, after 24h of culture, a reduced expression of CD69 from PBMC in vitro , that was enhanced after PHA stimulation. An increased release of IFN- gamma and IL-4 was also found, which was reduced after PHA stimulation. The release of TNF- alpha , IL-6 and IL-10 was not modified. Conclusions : The SMF generated by a 0.5T superconducting MRI unit modified in vitro activation marker expression and interleukin release from human PBMC.