Cell proliferation/cell death balance in renal cell cultures after exposure to a static magnetic field

The effect of a static magnetic field (MF) of 0.5 mT of intensity on the cell proliferation/cell death balance was investigated in renal cells (VERO) and cortical astrocyte cultures from rats. Magnetic stimulation was delivered by magnetic disks at known intensities. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells was evaluated using flow cytometry and morphological analysis following Hoechst chromatin staining. An index of cell proliferation was determined using sulfonated tetrazolium (WST-1). Control cultures were prepared without exposure to MFs. After 2, 4 and 6 days of exposure to a MF, we observed a gradual decrease in apoptosis and proliferation and a gradual increase in cells with a necrotic morphology with respect to the control group. In astrocyte cultures, over a 6-day exposure period. A gradual increase was observed in apoptotic, proliferating, and necrotic cells. Our findings suggest that the effect of exposure to MFs varies, depending on the cell type; MFs may also have a nephropathogenic effect. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.