Effect of Low-Frequency Low-Energy Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields on the Response to Lectin Stimulation of Human Normal and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Lymphocytes

Abstract

Many literature reports suggest that at least one of the mechanisms of action of low-frequency pulsing electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) is to favor Ca++ movement into the cell. Ca¹ influx Is a fundamental step In the activation process of lymphocytes by lectins. We report here the results of the exposure of human normal and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) lymphocytes to lectins and PEMFs. Simultaneous exposure to PEMFs and mitogens significantly increased the number of normal responsive lymphocytes compared to those exposed to the mitogens alone. Almost all the normal lymphocytes entered into the mitotic cycle. The number of CLL lymphocytes stimulated by simultaneous exposure to PEMFs and lectins was doubled compared with lectin exposure alone. Ca⁻¹ influx was increased when the cultures were exposed to PEMFs. The stimulatory effect of PEMFs was mediated by an increased release of some B-cell growth factor by the T-Zymphocytes.