Electromagnetic field at 15.95-16 Hz is cardio protective following acute myocardial infarction.

Previous studies have shown that pre-exposure of the heart to weak magnetic field reduces infarct size shortly after induction of myocardial ischemia. To investigate the role of AC magnetic field with a frequency of 15.95-16 Hz and 80 mT on left ventricular (LV) remodeling following chronic coronary occlusion and a short episode of ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R). LV dimension and function were measured using echocardiography. Femur bone marrow was isolated and cells were phenotyped for endothelial linage and immuno stained for endothelial cells. The area at risk was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. A significant reduction of 27% in shortening fraction (SF) was measured following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with a 7% decrease in animals exposed to magnetic field (p < 0.04). A significantly higher number of colony forming units and endothelial progenitor cells were counted within the treated groups subjected to magnetic field (p < 0.02). Exposing the heart to magnetic field prior to reperfusion did not show any preservation either on SF or on infarct size. Magnetic field was protective in the AMI but not in the I/R model. The mechanisms underlying cardiac protection induced by AC magnetic field following chronic injury deserves further investigation.