Effect of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure on morphological and biophysical properties of human lymphoid cell line (Raji).

Human B lymphoid cells (Raji) were exposed for 72 h to a 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field at a density of 2 milliTesla (rms). The results of exposure showed a decrease in membrane fluidity as detected by Laurdan emission spectroscopy and DPH fluorescence polarization. Field exposure also resulted in a reorganization of cytoskeletal components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a loss of microvilli in the exposed cells. This change in plasma membrane morphology was accompanied by a different actin distribution, as detected by phalloidin fluorescence. We also present evidence that EMF exposure of Raji cells can interfere with protein phosphorylation. Our observations confirm the hypothesis that electric and magnetic fields may modify the plasma membrane structure and interfere with the initiation of the signal cascade pathways.