Biological Effects and Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Review

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Abstract

Since the introduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic technique, the number of people exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has increased dramatically. In this review, based on the results of a pioneer study showing in vitro and in vivo genotoxic effects of MRI scans, we report an updated survey about the effects of non-ionizing EMF employed in MRI, relevant for patients’ and workers’ safety. While the whole data does not confirm a risk hypothesis, it suggests a need for further studies and prudent use in order to avoid unnecessary examinations, according to the precautionary principle.

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Most cited references 68

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Guidelines on limits of exposure to static magnetic fields.

(2009)

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Mechanism of action of moderate-intensity static magnetic fields on biological systems.

Arthur D Rosen (2003)

There is substantial evidence indicating that moderate-intensity static magnetic fields (SMF) are capable of influencing a number of biological systems, particularly those whose function is closely linked to the properties of membrane channels. Most of the reported moderate SMF effects may be explained on the basis of alterations in membrane calcium ion flux. The mechanism suggested to explain these effects is based on the diamagnetic anisitropic properties of membrane phospholipids. It is proposed that reorientation of these molecules during moderate SMF exposure will result in the deformation of imbedded ion channels, thereby altering their activation kinetics. Channel inactivation would not be expected to be influenced by these fields because this mechanism is not located within the intramembraneous portion of the channel. Patch-clamp studies of calcium channels have provided support for this hypothesis, as well as demonstrating a temperature dependency that is understandable on the basis of the membrane thermotropic phase transition. Additional studies have demonstrated that sodium channels are similarly affected by SMFs, although to a lesser degree. These findings support the view that moderate SMF effects on biological membranes represent a general phenomenon, with some channels being more susceptible than others to membrane deformation.

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Non-thermal DNA breakage by mobile-phone radiation (1800 MHz) in human fibroblasts and in transformed GFSH-R17 rat granulosa cells in vitro.

Thomas Schwarz, O Jahn, Hugo Rüdiger … (2005)

Cultured human diploid fibroblasts and cultured rat granulosa cells were exposed to intermittent and continuous radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) used in mobile phones, with different specific absorption rates (SAR) and different mobile-phone modulations. DNA strand breaks were determined by means of the alkaline and neutral comet assay. RF-EMF exposure (1800 MHz; SAR 1.2 or 2 W/kg; different modulations; during 4, 16 and 24h; intermittent 5 min on/10 min off or continuous wave) induced DNA single- and double-strand breaks. Effects occurred after 16 h exposure in both cell types and after different mobile-phone modulations. The intermittent exposure showed a stronger effect in the comet assay than continuous exposure. Therefore we conclude that the induced DNA damage cannot be based on thermal effects.

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Author and article information

Journal

Journal ID (nlm-ta): Int J Environ Res Public Health

Journal ID (publisher-id): 101238455

Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Publisher: Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)

ISSN (Print): 1661-7827

ISSN (Electronic): 1660-4601

Publication date (Print): June 2009

Publication date (Electronic): 10 June 2009

Volume: 6

Issue: 6

Pages: 1778-1798

Affiliations

[1 ] ITENI Laboratory, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy; E-Mails: valeh@ 123456ifc.cnr.it (V.H.); giovannetti@ 123456ifc.cnr.it (G.G.)

[2 ] Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy; E-Mail: nicvanel@ 123456ifc.cnr.it

[3 ] MRI Laboratory, G. Monasterio Foundation and CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy; E-Mail: lomass@ 123456ifc.cnr.it

[4 ] Cell Biology and Cytogenetics Unit, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy

Author notes

[* ]Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: llandini@ 123456ifc.cnr.it (L.L.); s.simi@ 123456ifc.cnr.it (S.S.); Tel.: +39 050 3152779, +39 050 3152615; Fax: +39 050 315 2166

Article

Publisher ID: ijerph-06-01778

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph6061778

PMC ID: 2705217

PubMed ID: 19578460

SO-VID: 9154a320-57ff-45e7-8bf9-dfecf48a53f8

License:

This article is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).

Biological Effects and Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Review

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Abstract

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Karger: Neurology and Neuroscience

Most cited references 68

Guidelines on limits of exposure to static magnetic fields.

Mechanism of action of moderate-intensity static magnetic fields on biological systems.

Non-thermal DNA breakage by mobile-phone radiation (1800 MHz) in human fibroblasts and in transformed GFSH-R17 rat granulosa cells in vitro.

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