Enhanced proliferation caused by a low frequency weak magnetic field in chick embryo fibroblasts is suppressed by radical scavengers.

Sinusoidal varying magnetic fields (SVMF) were reported by us to enhance the proliferation of chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF). The mechanism through which SVMF affects biological systems is still enigmatic. While the SVMF examined by us (50, 60, and 100 Hz/0.06-0.7 mT) were all below kT, they may have the potential of altering chemical processes in which excited radicals are involved. We tested this hypothesis by subjecting CEF to radical scavengers during exposure to a magnetic field of 100 Hz and 0.7 mT for 24 h. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT colorimetric assay. In the presence of catalase, superoxide dismutase, or vitamin E, the SVMF enhanced cell proliferation was reduced by 79, 67, and 82%, respectively. The addition of exogenous radical scavengers to the cells during the exposure to magnetic field significantly suppressed the enhancement in cell proliferation caused by the field.