The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone cell metabolism and calvaria resorption in vitro, and on calcium metabolism in the live rat.

The effects of three pulsed electromagnetic fields were investigated on bone cells and calvaria in culture, and on calcium metabolism in the live rat. No significant effect was seen on: 1) the proliferation of calvaria cells in culture; 2) alkaline phosphatase level, lactic acid release and collagen synthesis by confluent calvaria cells, with the exception of one pulse which produced a small increase in the latter when expressed as DNA; 3) resorption of calvaria in culture; 4) intestinal absorption, urinary excretion and net balance of calcium, bone formation and bone resorption in the live rat.