In vitro evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 Tesla on clonogenic ability, proliferation, and cell cycle in human embryonic lung fibroblasts

Objectives: We investigated the influence of magnetic resonance (MR) at 3.0 T on clonogenic ability, proliferation, and cell cycle in an embryonic human cell line. Materials and Methods: Cells (human lung fibroblasts Hel 299) were exposed to the static magnetic field (3.0 T) of a magnetic resonance imager (MRI) and to a turbo spin echo sequence at 3.0 T within clinical limitations (specific absorption rate 0.92 W/kg). A special MR-compatible incubation system was used. A control group (sham-exposed) and a MRI group (exposed) were set up. We investigated 3 biologic endpoints: colony forming, cell cycle, and proliferation ability. The exposure time was 2 hours in each experiment. Results: In the statistical analysis, none of these tests showed relevant differences between the exposed and sham-exposed group. Conclusions: No influences of the static field alone as well as a turbo spin echo sequence at 3.0 T on clonogenic ability, proliferation, or cell cycle in eugenic human lung fibroblasts were found.