The biological effects of magnetic fields on microvascular endothelial cells in the human brain

Abstract

Objective To observe the biological effects of magnetic fields of different intensities on microvascular endothelial cells in the human brain (HBMECs). Methods HBMECs were cultured in vitro under normal conditions and randomly divided into a control group and several magnetic induction groups——26 mT, 62.5 mT, 110.7 mT and 215.6 mT at the center pole. Any changes to the cytomembranes were observed 72 h after planking using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) method. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde methods were used to detect cellular oxidation due to the magnetic field. An inverted microscope was used to observe any changes in cell morphology, and flow cytometry was employed to detect cell apoptosis. Results Compared with the control group, the LDH value of the 215.6 mT group was significantly higher, but there were no significant differences in oxidative damage, apoptosis or morphology observed. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the controls and the 26 mT, 62.5 mT and 110.7 mT groups in any of the above measurements. Conclusion Magnetic fields of different intensity have different biological effects on HBMECs. A 215.6 mT magnetic field influences their cell membranes but causes no oxidative damage, cell apoptosis or morphological changes. These observations and the mechanism need further exploration. Key words: Magnetic induction; Human brain microvascular endothelial cells; Oxidative damage; Cell apoptosis; Cell morphology