The Influence of Galvanic Currents and Voltage on the Proliferation Activity of Lymphocytes and Expression of Cell Surface Molecules

Release of metal ions from dental metal fillings supported by galvanism can cause local or general pathological problems in sensitive and ge- netically susceptible individuals. We aimed to inves- tigate in vitro lymphocyte responses and expression of surface molecules influenced by galvanic currents and voltage. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were influenced by galvanic currents and voltages and lymphocyte proliferation was measured. Control samples were not exposed to the influence of galva- nism. We also studied the expression of surface mol- ecules by the FACS analysis. A 15-h and shorter in- fluence of almost all tested currents and voltages caused a significant decrease in lymphocyte prolif- eration and the 15-h influence of 20 μA currents sig- nificantly increased expression of surface molecules CD 19, 11a/18, 19/69 and 19/95. An influence of 10 and 3 μA currents led to a significant decrease in the expression of surface molecules CD 3, 11a/18, 3/69 and 3/95 and to a significant increase in CD 19 ex- pression. An 80 mV voltage influence led to a signifi- cant decrease in the expression of surface molecules CD 3, 11a/18, 3/69, 3/95, 19/69 and 19/95, and 200 and 300 mV voltages significantly decreased the ex- pression of surface molecules CD 3, 19, 11a/18, 3/95 and 19/95 and significantly increased CD 19/69 ex- pression. A long-lasting influence of galvanism can, in sensitive and genetically susceptible individuals, influence lymphocyte proliferation and surface mol- ecule expression. The threshold for pathological val- ues of 5 μA for galvanic currents and 100 mV for galvanic voltage was confirmed.