Electrostimulation in Cell Biology by Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract

Surprising phenomena have been detected by electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic treatment of various cells or tissues. To estimate the efficacy and possibilities of this new tool in biosciences, a short review will be presented dealing with (1) the current models for the analysis of mechanisms and (2) the experimental outcomes of electrostimulation of cells, which are treated by low-frequency-induced currents (mostly using Helmholtz coils): B > 10 mT, E > 10 mV/cm. The broad view of results on biopolymer syntheses, enzyme activities, membrane transport, proliferation, and other morphological changes is sometimes difficult to compare, because of numerous parameters and different “electrical and biological windows” for efficacy. Nevertheless it could be concluded that cells can react sensitively by manifold metabolic responses. Future research will prove whether such field influence on these processes is universal.