Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of 50 Hz magnetic field on sex hormones and body, uterine, and ovarian weights of adult female rats med./bio.

By: Al-Akhras MA

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2008; 27 (2): 155-163

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on mammalian fertility by assessing the sex hormones of adult female rats.

Background/further details

12 animals were exposed to 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field for 18 weeks (24 h/day) and 12 animals received sham exposure. The fields were then removed and the rats remained in the cages for 12 more weeks before they were sacrificed. Blood samples were taken every six weeks: before applying the field, three times while the rats were under the exposure and two follow-up times after removing the field.

Endpoint

endocrine changes: sex hormones
body-, uterus and ovary weight

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 24 h/day for 18 weeks	magnetic flux density: 25 µT effective value (earth magnetic field = 34 mT) SAR: 12 W/kg maximum (brain)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Waveform	sinusoidal
Exposure duration	continuous for 24 h/day for 18 weeks

Exposure setup

Exposure source	coil(s)
Setup	set of rectangualr coils with 10 turns each and a separation of 37.5 cm; 48 cm x 26 cm x 15 cm polypropylene cages in the center of the coil system
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	25 µT	effective value	-	-	earth magnetic field = 34 mT
SAR	12 W/kg	maximum	calculated	brain	-

Reference articles

Elbetieha A et al. (2002): Long-term exposure of male and female mice to 50 Hz magnetic field: effects on fertility
Graham C et al. (1999): Human sleep in 60 Hz magnetic fields
Juutilainen J et al. (1987): Relationship between field strength and abnormal development in chick embryos exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

endocrine changes: sexual hormones (serum level of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone, estrogen by different enzyme immunoassay test kits)
body-, uterus and ovary weight

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Time of investigation:

before exposure
during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Body and uterine weights were not affected by the field. A significant reduction in ovary weights in exposed rats was observed when compared with sham exposed controls. The reduction in the levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone was significant after six weeks of exposure. Follicle stimulating hormone levels were affected only on week 6 after exposure while luteinizing hormone remained affected during 12 and 18 weeks. No significant effects were found at 6 and 12 weeks after removing the field. The level of progesterone and estrogen was significantly decreased after 12 weeks of exposure, while no other effects on progesterone level was observed during exposure or after removing the field. The level of estrogen was also signifcantly reduced at 12 weeks after removing the field.
These results suggest possible adverse effect on mammalian fertility and reproduction. The effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on sex hormones were shown to be partly reversible.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
Blind study

Study funded by

Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan

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