107. Exposure to oscillating high electrical potential and the associated low frequency magnetic field enhances the hepatoprotective action of schisandrin B in vivo and in vitro.

Ko KM, Siu AHL, Poon MKT, Leung HY, Chiu PY

Department of Biochemistry, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.

The effect of electromagnetic manipulation (EM), consisting of an oscillating (50 Hz) high electrical potential (a maximum value of 20,000 V and an output current < 100 A) and its associated alternating magnetic field (50-60 Guass), on the hepatoprotective action of schisandrin B (Sch B, an active ingredient isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis) was examined in the mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) hepatotoxicity and the AML12 cell model of menadione-induced toxicity. EM was found to enhance the Sch B-induced hepatoprotective action against CCl₄ toxicity in mice and cytoprotective action against menadione toxicity in AML12 hepatocytes. The potentiating effect of EM on the pharmacological action of Sch B may be mediated by the increase in drug availability to tissues or cells and/or the pro-oxidant action of electromagnetic field in vivo.