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Microwave and ELF electromagnetic field effects on intercellular communication

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Chiang H · 1998

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EMF exposure disrupts the communication channels between cells, potentially affecting how tissues coordinate and maintain normal function.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This study examined how electromagnetic fields affect the way cells communicate with each other through tiny channels called gap junctions. The researchers found that both microwave and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields can disrupt this cellular communication by interfering with proteins that control the gap junction channels. This disruption could potentially affect how tissues coordinate their functions and maintain normal cellular processes.

Why This Matters

This research reveals a fundamental mechanism by which EMF exposure can interfere with basic cellular processes. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is essential for coordinating tissue function, wound healing, and preventing abnormal cell growth. When EMF exposure disrupts this communication by altering connexin proteins, it creates a cascade effect that can impact multiple biological systems. The study's finding that this disruption occurs through hyperphosphorylation by protein kinase C provides insight into the molecular pathway involved. What this means for you is that EMF exposure doesn't just affect individual cells in isolation, but can disrupt the coordinated communication networks that keep tissues functioning properly. This type of cellular disruption has been linked to various health effects and helps explain why EMF exposure can have wide-ranging biological impacts.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Microwave and ELF electromagnetic field effects on intercellular communication

The mechanism of GJIC inhibition induced by ELF MF has also been studied and found that the inhibiti...

Cite This Study
Chiang H (1998). Microwave and ELF electromagnetic field effects on intercellular communication Proceedings of the 20th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society 20:2798-2801, 1998.
Show BibTeX
@article{h_1998_microwave_and_elf_electromagnetic_1979,
  author = {Chiang H},
  title = {Microwave and ELF electromagnetic field effects on intercellular communication},
  year = {1998},
  
  url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/746064},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

This study examined how electromagnetic fields affect the way cells communicate with each other through tiny channels called gap junctions. The researchers found that both microwave and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields can disrupt this cellular communication by interfering with proteins that control the gap junction channels. This disruption could potentially affect how tissues coordinate their functions and maintain normal cellular processes.