Cytoprotection by electromagnetic field-induced hsp70: A model for clinical application

A unique approach to clinical application of cytoprotection is offered by e lectromagnetic (EM) field induction of stress proteins. EM fields are nonin vasive and easily applied, as compared with the current hyperthermia protoc ols. Fertilized dipteran eggs and cultured rodent cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cell s) were used as models to lest SM fields for their ability to induce increa sed hsp70 levels for effective cytoprotection. Eggs preconditioned with an 8 muT 60Hz EM field for 30 min had 114% increase in hsp70 levels, and an av erage 82% increase in survival, following a lethal temperature of 36.5 degr eesC. Thermal preconditioning at 32 degreesC was not nearly as effective in dipteran eggs, inducing only a 44% increase in survival. Preconditioning o f cultured murine cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) with an 8 muT 60 Hz field ind uced a 77% average increase in hsp70 levels. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.