Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the immunological characteristics of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in culture after exposure to a static magnetic field. Changes in the intercellular manganase-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) induction and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production were examined. Mn-SOD induction was measured by electron spin resonance spin trapping and radical enzyme immunoassay methods. As a consequence, exposure of PDL cells to a magnetic field increased the intercellular Mn-SOD formation depending on the magnetic field intensity. When the cells were previously exposed to a magnetic field in order to elevate the intercellular Mn-SOD level, subsequent exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in reduced intercellular IL-1β production. These results suggested that exposure to a static magnetic field promotes the induction of Mn-SOD in PDL cells as a mechanism of defense of the cells against stimulation with LPS.
