Pulsed electromagnetic fields alter phenotypic expression in chondroblasts in tissue culture.

Abstract

We hypothesize that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) alter phenotypic expression of chondroblasts by promoting the production of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and altering the structure of proteoglycans. Chondroblasts from the hypertrophic zone of tibial epiphyses (HC), sternum (SC), and skin fibroblasts (F) were cultured from 16 day chick embryos. Cultures were randomly designated control (C) or experimental (E). E received PEMF for 24 h in a 6 h on, 6 h rest sequence. The controls were in the same incubator shielded by Mu metal. Assays for AP activity were performed and normalized to protein content. Proteoglycan synthesis assay involved labeling with 35S fractionating in a 5% to 20% surcrose gradient determining total protein and chondroitin sulfate content. PEMF showed no change of AP activity on F. A high AP basal activity was found in HC, but was not increased above the control. PEMF increased AP in the SC samples (E/C ratio). The sucrose gradient data showed a shift in peaks for SC only altering the ratio of carbohydrate to protein for the SC. Analysis of carbohydrate and protein indicated that the effect was decreased synthesis or degradation of protein. We conclude that PEMF alters the phenotypic expression of sternal chondroblasts in our in vitro system.