CA2-FIELDS( FLUX AS A RESPONSE OF PERITONEAL EXUDATIVE MACROPHAGES TOWEAK ALTERNATING ELECTRIC)

Ca2+ flux is essential for many cell reactions. The present experiment also demonstrates that Ca2+ flux is an important primary response of macrophages to a low-amplitude, low-frequency weak electric field (WEF ). The WEF-induced increase in [Ca2+](i) (Ca2+ concentration within th e cytosol) is dependent on the field exposure conditions (electric str ength, frequency and exposure duration). Optimal electrical windows ar e observed for the increase in [Ca2+](i): low strength of 2-10 V cm(-1 ); low frequency of 10-100 Hz; exposure of 1 min. If a shortened expos ure (30 s) is applied, the effective electric strength increases to 10 0 V cm(-1). The WEF-induced increase in [Ca2+](i) is also related to t he amount of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in buffers. Calcium binds to the elicited s tate of macrophages. Ca2+ influx (transient or long term) is considere d to be a main pathway for the increase in [Ca2+](i) induced by WEFs. Possible mechanisms are discussed.