Pulsating Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Influence Differentiation of Mouse Neural Stem Cells towards Astrocyte-like Phenotypes: In Vitro Pilot Study

Authors: Isakovic J, Slatkovic F, Jagecic D, Petrovic DJ, Mitrecic D

Year: 2024 Apr 4

Category: Cell Biology

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074038

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/7/4038

Abstract

Overview

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been reported to assist endogenous neurogenesis; however, the mechanisms of their action remain unclear. This pilot study investigates the effects of pulsating extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into specific phenotypes such as neurons and astrocytes.

Methods

  • NSCs were isolated from the telencephalic wall of B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J mouse embryos (E14.5).
  • Cells were randomly divided into three experimental groups and three controls.
  • EMF application involved a solenoid within an incubator, with each group exposed to 50Hz ELF-EMFs of different strengths for 1 hour.
  • Marker expression (NES, GFAP, β-3 tubulin) was assessed using immunocytochemistry.

Findings

  • High-strength ELF-EMF exposure significantly increased, while low-strength ELF-EMF decreased, the expression of the astrocytic marker GFAP.
  • A similar pattern was observed for β-3 tubulin (a neuronal marker): high-strength ELF-EMFs increased, and medium/low-strength ELF-EMFs decreased its immunoreactivity.
  • Medium-strength ELF-EMFs significantly upregulated NES expression.

Conclusion

The effects of ELF-EMFs on NSC differentiation highly depend on field strength, frequency, and application duration. The study suggests ELF-EMFs can both inhibit and promote differentiation of NSCs into neurons or astrocytes and is the first to indicate a steering effect towards astrocyte-like phenotypes.

Important EMF Safety Note: These results highlight a clear connection between EMF exposure and changes in neural stem cell differentiation, suggesting health implications depending on exposure conditions and strengths.

ELF-EMF neural stem cells cell differentiation astrocytes neurons in vitro electromagnetic field exposure
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