The Effects of Magnetic Fields and Field Gradients on Living Cells

This talk focuses on the influence of a static magnetic field gradient with and without a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent (Dotarem) on macrophages. Macrophages are crucial in homeostasis, regeneration, and innate and adaptive immune responses. Functionally, different macrophages have different shapes and show different molecular phenotypes that depend on the actin cytoskeleton, which the small GTPase RhoA regulates. Recently, we reported that magnetic field gradients caused extreme macrophage elongation and prevented macrophage migration. Similar effects were observed in rodent models, where genetic or pharmacologic interference with the RhoA pathway deregulated the macrophage actin cytoskeleton. We will also discuss the potential cause of MRI contrast agent Dotarem toxicity: the gadolinium retention effect on macrophages. Although Dotarem is the least toxic among MRI contrasts used, we will show that gadolinium in Dotarem accumulates in various organs and tissues, exerting toxic effects.