ABSTRACT
This chapter aims (1) to discuss the effect of electromagnetic elds (EMFs) on the biological formation and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cells of the immune system, (2) to review recent EMF literature related to this topic, and (3) to report on previously unpublished EMF/immune system studies performed in our laboratory at Indiana University. To facilitate this discussion, we will rst outline key features of the immune system to provide a background for our consideration of EMF effects on ROS, such as superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. These ROS, which are intrinsically highly cytotoxic, give rise to additional cytotoxins such as perchlorates but can also act as autocrine or cytokine signaling molecules to enhance an immune response. Next, we will review the recent literature dealing with EMF effects on cells of the immune system, including our unpublished experiments with the transformed THP-1 immune cell line and normal human immune cells. Finally, we will consider EMF-based physicochemical mechanisms that are likely to underpin the reported observations and conclude with our view of the future role of EMFs in the therapy of inammatory diseases.
