Experimental study and mechanism analysis on bioeffects by nanosecond electromagnetic pulses.

Wang BY, Yang JB, Guo QG, Xu RM, Liu CJ, Zhang H, Zou FD, Wang ZS

Science in China (Series C) 40:301-304, 1997

A homogeneous field of quasi-plane wave was generated in a broad transverse EM-wave cell (BTEM Cell) designed by themselves. Human lymphocytes were exposed to EMP in the BTEM Cell, and the parameters of EMP were: rising time 1.2ns, duration time 2.4 ns, and pulse field strength 2 kV/m. The samples were irradiated for 1, 1.5, 2 and 3h, respectively.

The results showed that the incidences of dyskaryosis were significantly increased in irradiated lymphocytes (Table 12). The ability of forming rosette of T lymphocyte was decreased greatly. The longer the radiation time, the less the rosette, indicating that the immunity ability of cells had been destroyed (table 13).

The authors also indicated that the effects of transient electromagnetic pulses on biological cells are much stronger than that of continuous wave. The cell membrane plays an important role in gathering energy. A high field intensity inside cell can generate irreversible breakdown to cell membrane and nucleus.