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

A unique approach to clinical application of cytoprotection is offered by electromagnetic (EM) field induction of stress proteins. EM fields are noninvasive and easily applied, as compared with the current hyperthermia protocols. Fertilized dipteran eggs and cultured rodent cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) were used as models to test EM fields for their ability to induce increased hsp70 levels for effective cytoprotection. Eggs preconditioned with an 8μT 60Hz EM field for 30 min had 114% increase in hsp70 levels, and an average 82% increase in survival, following a lethal temperature of 36.5°C. Thermal preconditioning at 32°C was not nearly as effective in dipteran eggs, inducing only a 44% increase in survival. Preconditioning of cultured murine cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) with an 8μT 60 Hz field induced a 77% average increase in hsp70 levels. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.