Effect of electromagnetic field on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in a human mu-opioid receptor cell model.
Ross CL, Teli T, Harrison BS. · 2015
View Original Abstract5 Hz electromagnetic fields affected human opioid receptors 23% more than morphine, proving EMF can influence critical cellular pathways.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed cells containing human opioid receptors to 5 Hz electromagnetic fields and found they reduced cellular activity (cAMP levels) 23% more effectively than morphine. The effect was frequency-specific, as 13 Hz EMF produced no significant changes. This suggests certain EMF frequencies might influence pain pathways in ways similar to opioid drugs, potentially offering therapeutic benefits without drug side effects.
Why This Matters
This research reveals something remarkable: extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields can influence the same cellular pathways that opioid drugs target for pain relief. The science demonstrates that 5 Hz EMF produced stronger effects on opioid receptors than morphine itself, while 13 Hz had no effect - proving this isn't just random cellular disruption but a precise, frequency-dependent biological response. What this means for you is that EMF effects on your body aren't limited to the heating or nerve stimulation that regulators focus on. Your cells contain sophisticated signaling systems that can be influenced by specific electromagnetic frequencies at levels far below what current safety standards consider. The reality is that while this study suggests potential therapeutic applications, it also underscores how little we understand about EMF's complex biological interactions - and why the 'thermal effects only' regulatory approach falls dangerously short of protecting public health.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 5 Hz
Study Details
The aim of this study is to observe the Effect of electromagnetic field on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in a human mu-opioid receptor cell model.
In this study cAMP was stimulated in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells transfected with human mu-opi...
Results showed a 23% greater inhibition of cAMP-treating cells with EMF than with morphine. In order...
This study suggests the use of EMF as a complementary or alternative treatment to morphine that could both reduce pain and enhance patient quality of life without the side-effects of opiates.
Show BibTeX
@article{cl_2015_effect_of_electromagnetic_field_1769,
author = {Ross CL and Teli T and Harrison BS.},
title = {Effect of electromagnetic field on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in a human mu-opioid receptor cell model.},
year = {2015},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26151161/},
}