Enhancement of beta-galactosidase gene expression in rat pheochromocytoma cells by exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields.

Exposure of PC12-VG cells to an extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) enhanced the beta-galactosidase gene expression stimulated by treatment of the cells with forskolin. The enhancing effect of the ELFMF was inhibited by treatment of the cells with a specific inhibitor of PKC, calphostin C, as well as with the Ca2+ entry blockers nifedipin and dantrolen. Enhancement appeared within the first hour of a 4h forskolin treatment when the ELFMF was given at different times during culture. We speculate that exposure of PC12-VG cells to an ELFMF during the early response to forskolin treatment affects cell signal transduction, resulting in enhanced gene expression.