Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field on neuroendocrine cells and hormones in stomach of rats med./bio.

By: Hong ME, Yoon KH, Jung YY, Lee TJ, Park ES, Sohn UD, Jeong JH

Published in: Korean J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 15 (3): 137-142

To study the effects of the exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on gastric morphology and function in rats in connection with the development of chronic stress state.

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 60 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 1 or 2 weeks	magnetic flux density: 0.1 mT (in the center of the coils)

Exposure source	Helmholtz coils
Setup	1 m square Helmholtz coils in a wooden frame; winding of 200 turns for each coil split in half for allowing the current to flow in the same sense through each half of the winding (field aiding); coils mounted on a platform; animal cage placed in the center of the coil system
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	0.1 mT	-	measured	-	in the center of the coils

Exposed system:

Investigated system:

Investigated organ system:

Time of investigation:

The exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields altered the distribution and occurrence of gastrin- (increase), ghrelin- (decrease) and somatostatin- (decrease) positive endocrine cells in the stomach of rats. However, the secretion of those hormones into the blood from endocrine cells did not change significantly with exposure.
Comparing with sham exposure, extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure for one and two weeks induced an increase in BaSO₄ suspension propelling ratio of gastrointestinal tract, indicating that extremely low frequency magnetic field affects gastrointestinal motility.
The data revealed that extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure might influence the activity of endocrine cells, an important element of the intrinsic regulatory system in the digestive tract.

Study character:

Sakurai T et al. (2008): Exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields affects insulin-secreting cells
Budi A et al. (2007): Effect of frequency on insulin response to electric field stress
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Kaszuba-Zwoinska J et al. (2005): Loss of interstitial cells of Cajal after pulsating electromagnetic field (PEMF) in gastrointestinal tract of the rats
Subbotina TI et al. (2004): Effect of rotating electromagnetic fields on proteolytic activity of pepsin in rats
Laitl-Kobierska A et al. (2002): Influence of alternating extremely low frequency ELF magnetic field on structure and function of pancreas in rats
Radzievsky AA et al. (2002): Single millimeter wave treatment does not impair gastrointestinal transit in mice
Quinlan WJ et al. (1985): Neuroendocrine parameters in the rat exposed to 60-Hz electric fields
Free MJ et al. (1981): Endocrinological effects of strong 60-Hz electric fields on rats
Santini R et al. (1979): Effects of low level microwave radiation on the digestive transit of the rat