Low frequency electric and magnetic fields have different effects on the cell surface

• Published in: FEBS letters Vol. 230; no. 1; pp. 13 - 16
• Main Authors: Marron, Michael T., Goodman, Eugene M., Sharpe, Paul T., Greenebaum, Ben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 28.03.1988; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aqueous partition chromatography; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Membrane - physiology; Cell partitioning; Cell structures and functions; Cell surface; Chromatography; Countercurrent Distribution; electric fields; Electricity; Electromagnetic field; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; magnetic fields; Magnetics; Miscellaneous; Molecular and cellular biology; Physarum - physiology; Physarum polycephalum; Surface Properties; Aqueous partition chromatography; Electromagnetic field; Cell partitioning; Cell surface; Protozoa; Physarum polycephalum; Mycetozoa
• ISSN: 0014-5793; 1873-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80631-8

There is a considerable controversy over the nature of weak electromagnetic-field effects in living organisms. Part of the controversy can be traced to a lack of understanding of whether electric or magnetic fields are involved in producing bioeffects. We find that both 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields alter the cell surface of Physarum polycephalum. Exposure to electric fields increases the negative charge on the cell surface while magnetic-field exposure decreases the hydrophobic character of the surface. These effects appear to be additive and independent of the waveform of the applied fields.