Ets1 oncogene induction by ELF-modulated 50 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field

We have analyzed gene expression in hemopoietic and testicular cell types after their exposure to 50 MHz radiofrequency (RF) non-ionizing radiation modulated (80%) with a 16 Hz frequency. The exposure system generates a 0.2 mu T magnetic field parallel to the ground and a 60 V/m electric field orthogonal to the earth's magnetic field. Exposure conditions: were selected so as to interfere with the calcium ion flow. Under these electromagnetic field (EMF) conditions, we observed an overexpression of the ets1 mRNA in Jurkat T-lymphoblastoid and Leydig TM3 cell lines. This effect was observed only in the presence of the 16 Hz modulation, corresponding to the resonance frequency for calcium ion with a DC magnetic field of 45.7 mu T. We have also identified a putative candidate gene repressed after EMF exposure. The experimental model described in this paper may contribute to the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in EMF effects. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.