Effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields on SHSY5Y cells - a neuroblast model

C. Cerrato, F. Cialdai, F. Sereni, M. Monici
Energy for Health [8], 2011

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are receiving increasing attention in basic research due to their ability to influence the behavior of cells and to evoke biological responses that may be important from a clinical point of view. In our study we analyzed the effects of exposure to low frequency EFM (2mT, 50Hz, 3 h) on a neuroblast model (SHSY5Y cells).
These cells are a well-characterized model for studying in vitro differentiation towards a neuronal-like phenotype inducible by various exogenous agents. Viability and proliferation was assessed immediately after the treatment as well as after 24 h. No significant changes were observed in viability (>96%), while proliferation decreased (23%) after 24 h. Changes in cytoskeleton organization (analyzed by immufluorescence technique), in particular in actin microfilament, were also observed.
These changes were accompanied by morphological modifications and the formation of cones and cytoplasmic extensions, or neurites and dendrites processes.
We finally monitored an increase in expression of markers typically expressed in neuronal differentiation: neurofilaments and NRF-1. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that EMF exposure induces in SHSY5Y cells a biological response consisting in the remodelling and reorganization of the cytoskeleton and in the beginning of neuronal cell differentiation. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the effects described above and a greater understanding of relationship between biological response and parameters variation could lead to concrete improvements in treatment protocols.