Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Intracellular calcium signaling by Jurkat T-lymphocytes exposed to a 60 Hz magnetic field
No Effects Found
Authors not listed · 1997
60 Hz magnetic fields 1,500x stronger than household levels showed no immediate calcium signaling effects in immune cells.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
FDA researchers exposed human T-lymphocyte immune cells to 60 Hz magnetic fields at 0.15 mT (1,500 times stronger than typical household levels) to test whether power line frequencies affect cellular calcium signaling. The study found no changes in intracellular calcium responses under both optimal and stressed cell conditions. However, researchers noted this doesn't rule out effects on other calcium-dependent processes deeper in the cellular pathway.
Exposure Information
Cite This Study
Unknown (1997). Intracellular calcium signaling by Jurkat T-lymphocytes exposed to a 60 Hz magnetic field.
Show BibTeX
@article{intracellular_calcium_signaling_by_jurkat_t_lymphocytes_exposed_to_a_60_hz_magnetic_field_ce2264,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Intracellular calcium signaling by Jurkat T-lymphocytes exposed to a 60 Hz magnetic field},
year = {1997},
doi = {10.1002/(SICI)1521-186X(1997)18:6<439::AID-BEM6>3.0.CO;2-3},
}Quick Questions About This Study
This FDA study found no changes in intracellular calcium signaling in human T-lymphocyte immune cells exposed to 0.15 mT 60 Hz magnetic fields, even under stressed cellular conditions.
The 0.15 mT (150 microtesla) magnetic field used was approximately 1,500 times stronger than typical household power line exposures, which range from 0.01-1 microtesla in most homes.
Jurkat cells are human T-leukemia immune cells commonly used in laboratory research. They're valuable for studying immune system responses and cancer cell behavior under various experimental conditions including EMF exposure.
The researchers specifically noted their study doesn't exclude EMF effects on downstream calcium-dependent processes like calmodulin or other calcium-sensitive enzymes that occur after the initial calcium signaling response.
Yes, researchers tested cells under optimal conditions (37°C) and suboptimal stress conditions including lower temperature (24°C), reduced calcium levels, and lower antibody concentrations. No EMF effects occurred in either scenario.