Effect and mechanism of electronic magnetic pulse on peripheral lymphocytes in dogs

Objective To study the effects of electronic magnetic pulse (EMP) on periph eral lymphocytes in dogs and to explore the mechanisms of the biological ef fects of EMP. Methods T, TH and Ts lymphocytes were estimated by acid phosphatase cytoche mistry. Apoptotic lymphocytes and Bax and Bcl-2 proteins related to apoptos is were observed with in situ terminal labeling and immunocytochemistry. Results Peripheral T lymphocyte subpopulations decreased obviously after EM P irradiation with (2 - 12) x 10(4) V/m. Apoptotic percentages of lymphocyt es increased with the elevation of EMP doses. Ten days after different inte nsity radiation, the Bax protein was found to be elevated in accord with th e peak value of lymphocyte apoptosis. However, Bcl-2 protein decreased obvi ously. Conclusion A definite field intensity EMP could induce injury to lymphocyte s. Apoptosis induced by EMP is one of the main causes of peripheral lymphoc yte death and leads to immunosuppression of the body. These results suggest that people should pay more attention to the injury caused by EMP, especia lly to the immunological functions of the body.