Magnetic attachments are widely used for some dental treatments, however, the effects of magnetic fields on tissues have not been enough studied in the field of dentistry Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify the immunological characteristics of gingival tissue. Changes in the intracellular IL-1bproduction and Mn-SOD formation were examined. Methods: The effects were evaluated by culturing the human gingival fibroblast like cells (HGfcs) and determining Mn-SOD activity of HGfcs by Radical EIA methods. Gene expression of Heat Shock Protein(HSP 70) mRNA was examined by RT-PCR methods. Results: Intracellular IL-1bproduction increased followed to exposure of HGfcs to LPS in a dose-dependent. Exposure of the HGfcs to a magnetic field increased the intracellular Mn-SOD formation depending on the intensity of the magnetic field. When the cells were previously exposed to a magnetic field in order to elevate the intracellular Mn-SOD level, subsequent exposure to LPS resulted in reduced intracellular production of IL-1b. When the intracellular formation of HSP 70 following to exposure of the cells to a magnetic field was analyzed at the gene level using RT-PCR, the expression of HSP 70 was confirmed depending on the intensity of the magnetic field. Conclusion: These results suggest that exposure to a magnetic field promotes the formation of Mn-SOD in HGfcs, as a mechanism of defense of the cells against stimulation with LPS. The results also suggest that exposure of the cells to a magnetic field induces the expression of HSP 70, which in turn induces Mn-SOD production. It is believed that these findings would be useful to clarify the previously unknown immunological effects of magnetic fields in the biology. This study was supported in part by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research.

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