Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
No effect of 60 Hz electromagnetic fields on MYC or beta-actin expression in human leukemic cells
Authors not listed · 1995
Researchers exposed human leukemic HL60 cells to 60 Hz magnetic fields at 0.57, 5.7, or 57 microT for 20 minutes and found no significant effect on MYC or beta-actin gene expression.
Plain English Summary
The study used quantitative Northern analysis to measure MYC and beta-actin mRNA levels in human leukemic HL60 cells. Cells were exposed to 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic fields at 0.57, 5.7, or 57 microT for 20 minutes using a new field-exposure system designed to optimize any response. No significant effect of the electromagnetic fields on gene expression was observed with any of the exposure systems or analytical methods.
Why This Matters
Epidemiological studies have shown weak correlations between extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields and childhood leukemias, but negative studies have also been reported. Previous in vitro studies reported activation of proto-oncogenes in HL60 cells, but no response had been widely replicated across independent laboratories. The researchers developed a novel method providing enhanced accuracy for quantitative measurement of mRNA.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{no_effect_of_60_hz_electromagnetic_fields_on_myc_or_beta_actin_expression_in_human_leukemic_cells_ce1596,
author = {Unknown},
title = {No effect of 60 Hz electromagnetic fields on MYC or beta-actin expression in human leukemic cells},
year = {1995},
doi = {10.2307/3579230},
}