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Effect of Magnetic and Electrical Fields on Yield, Shelf Life and Quality of Fruits. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12063183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The presented article is a review of the literature reports on the influence of magnetic and electric fields on the growth, yield, ripening, and durability of fruits and their quality. The article shows the potential application of MF and EF in agricultural production. Magnetic and electrical fields increase the shelf life of the fruit and improve its quality. Alternating magnetic fields (AMF) with a value of 0.1–200 mT and a power frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz improve plant growth parameters. MF cause an increase in firmness, the rate of maturation, the content of beta-carotene, lycopene, and fructose, sugar concentration, and a reduction in acidity and respiration. The most common is a high-voltage electric field (HVEF) of 2–3.61 kV/cm. These fields extend the shelf life and improve the quality of fruit by decreasing respiration rate and ethylene production. The presented methods seem to be a promising way to increase the quantity and quality of crops in agricultural and fruit production. They are suitable for extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetables during their storage. Further research is needed to develop an accessible and uncomplicated way of applying MF and AEF in agricultural and fruit production.
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Wei X, Guan L, Fan P, Liu X, Liu R, Liu Y, Bai H. Direct Current Electric Field Stimulates Nitric Oxide Production and Promotes NO-Dependent Angiogenesis: Involvement of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. J Vasc Res 2020; 57:195-205. [PMID: 32375152 DOI: 10.1159/000506517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Electric fields (EFs) promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate the feasibility of the application of EFs to modulate angiogenesis. Nitric oxide (NO) derived from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important regulator of angiogenesis. However, the role of direct current EFs in eNOS activity and expression in association with angiogenesis of endothelial cells has not been investigated. In the present study, we stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with EFs and evaluated the activity and expression of eNOS. EFs induced significant phosphorylation of eNOS, upregulation of the expression of eNOS protein, and an increase in NO production from HUVECs. L-NAME, a specific inhibitor of eNOS, abolished EF-induced HUVEC angiogenesis. EFs stimulated Akt activation. Inhibition of PI3K activity inhibited EF-mediated Akt and eNOS activation and inhibited NO production in the endothelial cells. Moreover, EFs stimulated HUVEC proliferation and enhanced the S phase cell population of the cell cycle. We conclude that EFs stimulate eNOS activation and NO production via a PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway. Thus, activation of eNOS appears to be one of the key signaling pathways necessary for EF-mediated angiogenesis. These novel findings suggest that NO signaling may have an important role in EF-mediated endothelial cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wei
- Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linbo Guan
- Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Fan
- Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinghui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Division of Peptides Related to Human Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huai Bai
- Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,
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Liu CE, Chen WJ, Chang CK, Li PH, Lu PL, Hsieh CW. Effect of a high voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) on the shelf life of persimmons (Diospyros kaki). Lebensm Wiss Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2016.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Tuszynski JA, Wenger C, Friesen DE, Preto J. An Overview of Sub-Cellular Mechanisms Involved in the Action of TTFields. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E1128. [PMID: 27845746 PMCID: PMC5129338 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13111128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Long-standing research on electric and electromagnetic field interactions with biological cells and their subcellular structures has mainly focused on the low- and high-frequency regimes. Biological effects at intermediate frequencies between 100 and 300 kHz have been recently discovered and applied to cancer cells as a therapeutic modality called Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields are clinically applied to disrupt cell division, primarily for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this review, we provide an assessment of possible physical interactions between 100 kHz range alternating electric fields and biological cells in general and their nano-scale subcellular structures in particular. This is intended to mechanistically elucidate the observed strong disruptive effects in cancer cells. Computational models of isolated cells subject to TTFields predict that for intermediate frequencies the intracellular electric field strength significantly increases and that peak dielectrophoretic forces develop in dividing cells. These findings are in agreement with in vitro observations of TTFields' disruptive effects on cellular function. We conclude that the most likely candidates to provide a quantitative explanation of these effects are ionic condensation waves around microtubules as well as dielectrophoretic effects on the dipole moments of microtubules. A less likely possibility is the involvement of actin filaments or ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada.
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Cornelia Wenger
- The Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal.
| | - Douglas E Friesen
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada.
| | - Jordane Preto
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada.
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Akpınar D, Gok DK, Hidisoglu E, Aslan M, Ozen S, Agar A, Yargicoglu P. Effects of pre- and postnatal exposure to extremely low-frequency electric fields on mismatch negativity component of the auditory event-related potentials: Relation to oxidative stress. Electromagn Biol Med 2016; 35:245-59. [PMID: 27070942 DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2015.1076727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In our previous study, the developmental effects of extremely low-frequency electric fields (ELF-EF) on visual and somatosensory evoked potentials in adult rats were studied. There is no study so far examining the effects of 50 Hz electric field (EF) on mismatch negativity (MMN) recordings after exposure of rats during development. Therefore, our present study aimed to investigate MMN and oxidative brain damage in rats exposed to EF (12 kV/m, 1 h/day). Rats were divided into four groups, namely control (C), prenatal (Pr), postnatal (Po), and prenatal+postnatal (PP). Pregnant rats of Pr and PP groups were exposed to EF during pregnancy. Following birth, rats of PP and Po groups were exposed to EF for three months. After exposure to EF, MMN was recorded by electrodes positioned stereotaxically to the surface of the dura, and then brain tissues were removed for histological and biochemical analyses. The MMN amplitude was higher to deviant tones than to standard tones. It was decreased in all experimental groups compared with the C group. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) levels were significantly increased in the Po group with respect to the C group, whereas they were significantly decreased in the PP group compared with Pr and Po groups. Protein carbonyl levels were significantly decreased in the PP group compared with C, Pr, and Po groups. EF decreased MMN amplitudes were possibly induced by lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Akpınar
- a Department of Biophysics , Akdeniz University , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Deniz Kantar Gok
- a Department of Biophysics , Akdeniz University , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Enis Hidisoglu
- a Department of Biophysics , Akdeniz University , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Mutay Aslan
- b Department of Biochemistry , Akdeniz University , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Sukru Ozen
- c Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering , Akdeniz University , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Aysel Agar
- d Department of Physiology , Akdeniz University , Antalya , Turkey
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Güler G, Türközer Z, Seyhan N. Electric Field Effects on Guinea Pig Serum: The Role of Free Radicals. Electromagn Biol Med 2009; 26:207-23. [PMID: 17886007 DOI: 10.1080/15368370701585490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study was carried out to investigate the potential effects of ELF (extremely low frequency) electric field exposure on generating free radicals in guinea pigs. For this purpose, we determined thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, one of the byproducts of lipid peroxidation, the changes of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), as an antioxidant enzyme, and gamma-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) as the key enzyme in GSH metabolism. Moreover, in order to investigate electric field effects on functions of organs, we measured the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), urea, uric acid, creatin, glucose, and blood-urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum of guinea pigs exposed to different intensities and directions electric fields. In this study we have found that vertical and horizontal application of ELF electric fields in the range of 1.35, 1.5, and 1.8 kV/m increased TBARS and SOD levels as compared to the controls (p < 0.05) and to applied electric fields of 0.3, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 kV/m. On the other hand, other serum levels of some biochemical parameters that were also investigated did not undergo statistically significant changes (p > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Göknur Güler
- Department of Biophysics, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Wang E, Yin Y, Zhao M, Forrester JV, McCaig CD. Physiological electric fields control the G1/S phase cell cycle checkpoint to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation. FASEB J 2003; 17:458-60. [PMID: 12551844 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-0510fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cell (VEC) proliferation is a key event in angiogenesis and is tightly regulated. Electric potential differences exist around the vascular endothelium and give rise to endogenous electric fields (EFs), whether these EFs influence VEC proliferation is unclear. We exposed cultured VECs to applied EFs of physiological strengths for up to 72 h. EF at 50 or 100 mV/mm did not influence cell proliferation, but at 200 mV/mm, cell density, cell growth rate, and mitosis index decreased significantly. EF-induced reduction in VEC proliferation was not due to increased apoptosis, because caspase apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK (20 microM), had no effect on this response. Rather, EF responses were mediated via decreased entry of cells into S phase from G1 phase, as shown by flow cytometry. Western blot showed that EFs decreased G1-specific cyclin E expression and increased cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase complex inhibitor p27kipl expression. Thus EFs controlled VEC proliferation through induction of cell cycle arrest at G1 by down-regulation of cyclin E expression and up-regulation of p27kipl expression, rather than by promoting apoptosis. If control of the cell cycle by endogenous EFs extends beyond VECs, this would be of widespread biological significance in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Entong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
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Brown JA, Tuszynski JA. The possible relationship between cell shape and electric fields. J Theor Biol 1999; 200:245-7. [PMID: 10504289 DOI: 10.1006/jtbi.1999.0984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Tuszyński JA, Trpisová B, Sept D, Brown JA. Selected physical issues in the structure and function of microtubules. J Struct Biol 1997; 118:94-106. [PMID: 9126636 DOI: 10.1006/jsbi.1997.3843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton consists of networks of protein polymers which structurally and dynamically organize interiors of living cells. Microtubules exhibit a complex array of self-organization phenomena which are very sensitive to various laboratory conditions. In this paper we discuss the main features of microtubules focusing our attention on a selection of their physical properties, i.e., the questions of assembly dynamics and energy transfer along their protofilaments, the possible dipolar phases which we predict to exist, and, finally, the hypothesis of current flows associated with the electric field lines produced by cytoskeletal components.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Tuszyński
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Cox CF, Brewer LJ, Raeman CH, Schryver CA, Child SZ, Carstensen EL. A test for teratological effects of power frequency magnetic fields on chick embryos. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 1993; 40:605-10. [PMID: 8244421 DOI: 10.1109/10.237690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
An analysis of 13 studies of the teratological effects of pulsed magnetic fields on chick embryos from ten independent laboratories permits no clear conclusions. Comparatively little has been done to follow up on the reports by Juutilainen and coworkers on the effects of extremely low-frequency, sinusoidal magnetic fields on the malformation rate in chick embryos. Our attempt to follow up on their results using similar but not identical exposures of 10 microT, 50 Hz magnetic fields produced negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Cox
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Rochester, NY 14627
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Murphy JC, Kaden DA, Warren J, Sivak A. International Commission for Protection Against Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens. Power frequency electric and magnetic fields: a review of genetic toxicology. Mutat Res 1993; 296:221-40. [PMID: 7680105 DOI: 10.1016/0165-1110(93)90013-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies have reported a modestly increased risk of childhood leukemia associated with certain electric power wire configurations. Since cancer likely involves DNA damage, this review discusses the evidence of direct and indirect genetic toxicity effects for both electric and magnetic fields at 50- and 60-Hz and miscellaneous pulsed exposures. Exposure conditions vary greatly among different end points measured, making comparisons and conclusions among experiments difficult. Although most of the available evidence does not suggest that electric and/or magnetic fields cause DNA damage, the existence of some positive findings and limitations in the set of studies carried out suggest a need for additional work.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Murphy
- Health Effects Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139
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Azadniv M, Miller MW, Cox C, Valentine F. On the mechanism of a 60-Hz electric field induced growth reduction of mammalian cells in vitro. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 1993; 32:73-3. [PMID: 8460217 DOI: 10.1007/bf01213133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Data on 60-Hz electric field (EF) induced reduction in growth rate of plant roots have strongly supported the hypothesis that the effect is related to an EF-induced transmembrane potential (Vim). An investigation was undertaken to determine if this hypothesis is also applicable to 60-Hz EF-induced reductions in growth rate of mammalian cells in vitro. Human lymphoblastic (RPMI 1788) and human carcinoma (HeLa) cells were selected for study, the former having a relatively small diameter (11.2 microns), and the latter having a relatively large diameter (15.4 microns). The 60-Hz EFs ranged from 430-1200 V/m in the culture medium. The growth rate of RPMI 1788 cells after 4-days was depressed by about 42% at a 60-Hz EF of 1000-1200 V/m with a response threshold occurring at 950 V/m; the Vim at the response threshold was 8 mV. There was no 60-Hz EF-induced effect on HeLa cell growth rate of a Vim of 8 mV (60-Hz EF = 700 V/m); a statistically significant effect was achieved at Vim of 11 mV (950 V/m). The data support the hypothesis that above a threshold 60-Hz EF, Vim acts as the initial signal leading to growth rate reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Azadniv
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY 14642
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Bush AM, Geist CR. Geophysical variables and behavior: LXX. Testing electromagnetic explanations for a possible psychokinetic effect of therapeutic touch on germinating corn seed. Psychol Rep 1992; 70:891-6. [PMID: 1620780 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.1992.70.3.891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Designs used to test claims for psychic healing of living systems not amenable to suggestion may produce artifact in the results when there is failure to control for other possible explanations. Some experimental methods in psychokinesis may produce electromagnetic field flux which could lead to erroneous conclusions. This study adds electrical and magnetic controls to assess their effect, leading to the conclusion that therapeutically touched corn seeds did not recover from saline injury significantly better than untreated controls.
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Brayman AA, Miller MW, Cox C. Effects of 60-Hz electric fields on cellular elongation and radial expansion growth in cucurbit roots. Bioelectromagnetics 1987; 8:57-72. [PMID: 3580000 DOI: 10.1002/bem.2250080108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Serial longitudinal and transverse sections were prepared from roots of Cucumis sativus and Cucurbita maxima that had been exposed/sham-exposed to 60-Hz electric fields for 0-2 days. Field exposures were selected to produce a 10-20% or a 70-80% growth inhibition in whole roots of both species. Cortical cell length and diameter were measured using a microscope and eyepiece micrometer; measurements were conducted "blind." In both species, inhibition of cellular elongation was associated with exposure to electric fields (EF). Cellular radial expansion was apparently unaffected by exposure to electric fields. The diameters of radially unexpanded or fully expanded C. sativus cortical cells were about 25-30% smaller than those of comparable cells in C. maxima roots. Previous studies of the relationship between rates of root growth and applied EF strength showed that the response thresholds of C. sativus and C. maxima differed by a similar relative amount. These results are consistent with the postulate that EF-induced effects in roots are elicited by induced transmembrane potentials.
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Brulfert A, Miller MW, Robertson D, Dooley DA, Economou P. A cytohistological analysis of roots whose growth is affected by a 60-Hz electric field. Bioelectromagnetics 1985; 6:283-91. [PMID: 3836671 DOI: 10.1002/bem.2250060308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Roots of Pisum sativum were exposed for 48 h to 60-Hz electric fields of 430 V/m in an aqueous inorganic growth medium. The growth in length of the exposed roots was 44% of that for control roots. Root tips were analyzed for mitotic index and cell cycle duration. Mature, differentiated root sections from tissue produced after electrode energization were analyzed for cell lengths and number of files. The major reason for the observation that exposed roots are shorter than control roots is that cell elongation in the former is greatly diminished relative to controls.
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Inoue M, Miller MW, Cox C, Carstesen EL. Growth rate and mitotic index analysis of Vicia faba L. roots exposed to 60-Hz electric fields. Bioelectromagnetics 1985; 6:293-303. [PMID: 3836672 DOI: 10.1002/bem.2250060309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Growth, mitotic index, and growth rate recovery were determined for Vicia faba L. roots exposed to 60-Hz electric fields of 200, 290, and 360 V/m in an aqueous inorganic nutrient medium (conductivity 0.07-0.09 S/m). Root growth rate decreased in proportion to the increasing strength; the electric field threshold for a growth rate effect was about 230 V/m. The induced transmembrane potential at the threshold exposure was about 4-7 mV. The mitotic index was not affected by an electric field exposure sufficient to reduce root growth rate to about 35% of control. Root growth rate recovery from 31-96% of control occurred in 4 days after cessation of the 360 V/m exposure. The results support the postulate that the site of action of the applied electric fields is the cell membrane.
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Miller MW, Dooley DA, Cox C, Carstensen EL. On the mechanism of 60-Hz electric field induced effects in Pisum sativum L. roots: vertical field exposures. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 1983; 22:293-302. [PMID: 6665120 DOI: 10.1007/bf01323679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Roots of Pisum sativum L. were chronically exposed to 60-Hz vertical electric fields ranging from 150 to 450V/m in an aqueous medium whose conductivity was approximately 0.07 S/m. Control and exposed roots were grown concomitantly in the same tank whose medium was continuously circulated and maintained at 19 degrees C. The experiments were conducted blind. Root growth rates were determined daily and the mitotic index was determined for various intervals over a 24-h period, ranging from 12 h before to 12 h after electrode energization. Root growth rates were affected in a dose dependent relationship by exposures greater than 250 V/m. Mitotic indices were not affected by 150 V/m but were affected at 350 V/m; the former exposure did not alter root growth rates, the latter did. The growth rates of vertically exposed roots were compared to those of horizontally exposed roots; the former are more sensitive at a given field strength. The observations are consistent with the postulate that the electric field acts upon the cell through a perturbation of the transmembrane potential.
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