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Effects of an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on the cell division rate and plasma membrane of Paramecium tetraurelia
Author(s) -
Dihel Larry E.,
SmithSonneborn Joan,
Middaugh C. Russell
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.2250060107
Subject(s) - verapamil , cell division , microbiology and biotechnology , biophysics , calcium , membrane fluidity , lipid bilayer , cell , cell membrane , membrane , biology , chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry
The eukaryotic protozoan, Paramecium , was examined as a model for effects of pulsated electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on cells. A 72‐Hz PEMF similar to fields employed clinically increased cell division rates in Paramecium by 8.5%. Two calcium transport mutants of these organisms showed differential responses to the same field. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, abolished any effect of PEMFs on cell division rates. A fluorescent probe that is thought to sense changes in membrane potential also manifested an altered response in the PEMF‐exposed cells whereas a fluorescent lipid bilayer fluidity probe produced evidence of decreased membrane fluidity in the exposed cells. An effect of PEMFs on ion transport mediated by either a direct or indirect effect on the cell membrane is suggestd by these studies.