Static magnetic fields generated by a 0.5 T MRI unit affects in vitro expression of activation markers and interleukin release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Abstract PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the static magnetic field (SMF) generated by a 0.5 T superconducting MRI unit on in vitro activation marker expression and interleukin release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PBMC samples were split into two groups: exposed and sham-exposed under isothermal conditions. PBMC were exposed for 2 h at 24 degrees C to the SMF of a 0.5 T superconducting MRI unit. Immediately after exposure, both samples were cultured for 24 h at 37 degrees C with or without mitogenic stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). PBMC were examined for expression of CD25, CD69 and CD71 by immunofluorescence analysis and supernatants were assayed to quantify IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-4 by ELISA. RESULTS: The 0.5 T SMF produced, after 24 h of culture, a reduced expression of CD69 from PBMC in vitro, that was enhanced after PHA stimulation. An increased release of IFN-gamma and IL-4 was also found, which was reduced after PHA stimulation. The release of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 was not modified. CONCLUSIONS: The SMF generated by a 0.5 T superconducting MRI unit modified in vitro activation marker expression and interleukin release from human PBMC.