Hyperpolarization of plasma membrane of tumor cells sensitive to antiapoptotic effects of magnetic fields

Silvia Nuccitelli*, C. Cerella, S. Cordisco, M. C. Albertini, A. Accorsi, M. De Nicola, M. D'Alessio, F. Radogna, A. Magrini, A. Bergamaschi, L. Ghibelli

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Chemical/physical agents able to prevent apoptosis are receiving much attention for their potential health hazard as tumor promoters. Magnetic fields (MFs), which have been shown to increase the occurrence of some tumors, reduce damage-induced apoptosis by a mechanism involving Ca2+ entry into cells. In order to discover the mechanism of such effect of MFs, we investigated the interference of MFs on cell metabolism and analyzed cell parameters that are involved in apoptotic signaling and regulation of Ca2+ fluxes. Here we show that different types (static and extremely low-frequency, ELF pulsating) of MFs of different intensities alter plasma membrane potential. Interestingly, MFs induce plasma membrane hyperpolarization in cells sensitive to the antiapoptotic effect of MFs, whereas cells that are insensitive showed a plasma membrane depolarization. These opposite effects suggest that protection against apoptosis and membrane potential modulation are correlated, plasma membrane hyperpolarization possibly being part of the signal transduction chain determining MFs' antiapoptotic effect.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSignal Transduction Pathways, Part A
Subtitle of host publicationApoptotic and Extracellular Signalling
PublisherBlackwell Publishing Inc.
Pages217-225
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)1573316458, 9781573316453
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2006
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1090
ISSN (Print)0077-8923
ISSN (Electronic)1749-6632

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Magnetic fields
  • Plasma membrane potential
  • Survival

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