Fifty Hertz electromagnetic field exposure stimulates secretion of beta-amyloid peptide in cultured human neuroglioma

Neurosci Lett. 2007 May 11;418(1):9-12. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.02.057. Epub 2007 Mar 1.

Abstract

Recent epidemiological studies raise the possibility that individuals with occupational exposure to low frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields (LF-EMF), are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms through which LF-EMF may affect AD pathology are unknown. We here tested the hypothesis that the exposure to LF-EMF may affect amyloidogenic processes. We examined the effect of exposure to 3.1 mT 50 Hz LF-EMF on Abeta secretion in H4 neuroglioma cells stably overexpressing human mutant amyloid precursor protein. We found that overnight exposure to LF-EMF induces a significant increase of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) secretion, including the isoform Abeta 1-42, without affecting cell survival. These findings show for the first time that exposure to LF-EMF stimulates Abeta secretion in vitro, thus alluding to a potential link between LF-EMF exposure and APP processing in the brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / radiation effects*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / radiation effects
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Radiation

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides