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| TITLE: | Calcium Signaling in Cells of the Immune System | ||
| Principal Investigator |
Dr. James Putney | Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, NIEHS | |
| Health Relevance |
Other: Immune System Effects | ||
| Research Categories |
Cellular Function | Cellular Processes | Effect on Cell Calcium |
| FY95 Funds | DIR-11 $ 42,000 | Start Date 9/93 | End Date 9/95 |
| Rationale and Summary |
Of the cellular processes that might be affected by low frequency magnetic fields, the cellular
transport of ions has been suggested as a target. Some recently published findings suggest that
cellular calcium fluxes and calcium signaling are significantly affected by magnetic fields
(Walleczek,J. , Electromagnetic field effects on cells of the immune system: the role of calcium
signaling, FASEB, J. 6: 3177-3185,1992). We are attempting to elucidate the subtle, subcellular
changes that occur in cells in culture as a result of the action of hormones and growth factors, and
also as a result of calcium distribution that may occur as a result of the position of magnetic field
exposures, sensitive confocal imaging technology will be used. As model systems for these
studies, we will utilize tow lymphocyte cell lines, S49 and Jurkat, both of which we have shown to
have highly developed calcium signaling systems.
We have only recently brought our confocal microscope on-line; thus we have not yet applied this technology to studies of calcium signaling. However, we have been able to utilize other techniques to examine calcium signaling. As a result of this work, we have made some important strides in sorting out potential calcium mobilizing messengers in these model cell systems. For example, we have investigated the nature of the calcium mobilizing effects of a newly described material isolated from Jurkat cells, termed Calcium Influx Factor (CIF). Our findings cast doubt on the physiological role of this material in Jurkat cells and in other cell types. We have also investigated the possible action of cyclic GMP as a mediator of calcium signaling in non-excitable cells. Again our findings were largely negative. We are continuing to work on new ways that may reveal novel messengers or signaling systems that regulate cellular calcium homeostasis and which could be possible targets of disruption by magnetic field exposures. |
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| Experimental Design and Exposure Conditions |
At this stage there are no magnetic field exposures. Exposures will be initiated in collaboration with the regional facility at NIOSH where the exposure system is well described. The calcium culture studies are done following procedures that have been published in the literature. | ||
| Quality Assurance Measures |
There are no magnetic field exposures at this time. The cell cultures follow standard good laboratory procedures. | ||
| Results and Discussion |
The studies have focused on messengers and growth factors that may affect calcium levels.
These studies will be continued in collaboration with NIOSH. |
||
| Recent Publications |
Bird, G. S., Bian, X., and Putney, J. W., Jr.:P Calcium entry signal? Nature 373: 481-482, 1995. | ||