Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field and GABAA Receptors on Serum Testosterone Level of Male Rats med./bio.

By: Taherianfard M, Bahaddini A, Keshtkar S, Fazeli M, Shomali T

Published in: Int J Endocrinol Metab 2013; 11 (4): e11029

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine the effect of exposure to a 50 Hz-magnetic field alone or in combination with the GABA_A antagonist bicuculline or the GABA_A agonist muscimol on the serum testosterone level of rats.

Background/further details

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) can influence the generation of steroid hormones (e.g. testosterone).
Rats were divided into 10 groups (n=5 per group): 1.) exposure + injection of saline solution, 2.) sham exposure + injection of saline solution, 3.) exposure + injection of bicuculline (1 mg/kg body weight), 4.) sham exposure + injection of bicuculline (1 mg/kg), 5.) exposure + injection of bicuculline (3 mg/kg), 6.) sham exposure + injection of bicuculline (3 mg/kg), 7.) exposure + injection of muscimol (0.5 mg/kg), 8.) sham exposure + injection of muscimol (0.5 mg/kg), 9.) exposure + injection of muscimol (2 mg/kg) and 10.) sham exposure + injection of muscimol (2 mg/kg).
Injection was performed after the exposure/sham exposure period. About 40 minutes after the injection, rats were killed and blood samples were taken.

Endpoint

endocrine changes: serum testosterone level

Exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: 8 hours/day for 30 days	magnetic flux density: 0.5 mT

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	8 hours/day for 30 days

Exposure setup

Exposure source	coil(s)
Chamber	wooden cage (70 x 120 x 30 cm)
Setup	3 coils (insulated 1 mm copper wire, 200 turns each) were wound around the outer surface at equal distance; coils were connected in parallel and sealed with adhesive bandage
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	0.5 mT	-	measured	-	-

Additional parameter details

magnetic field was homogeneous in a zone of 21 cm distance from the transverse borders and 9 cm from the longitudinal borders, cage was placed in this area

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

endocrine changes: serum testosterone level (commercial radioimmunoassay kit)

Investigated system:

serum

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant differences were observed between the exposed groups and the corresponding sham exposed groups.
The authors conclude that exposure to a 50 Hz-magnetic field alone or in combination with the GABA_A antagonist bicuculline or the GABA_A agonist muscimol has no influence on the serum testosterone level of rats.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Mostafa RM et al. (2006): Sex hormone status in male rats after exposure to 50 Hz, 5 mTesla magnetic field
Al-Akhras MA et al. (2006): Influence of 50 Hz magnetic field on sex hormones and other fertility parameters of adult male rats
Forgacs Z et al. (2004): Effects of whole-body 50-Hz magnetic field exposure on mouse leydig cells
Forgacs Z et al. (1998): Effect of sinusoidal 50 Hz magnetic field on the testosterone production of mouse primary Leydig cell culture
Picazo ML et al. (1995): Long-term effects of ELF magnetic fields on the mouse testis and serum testosterone levels
Kato M et al. (1994): Circularly polarized, sinusoidal, 50 Hz magnetic field exposure does not influence plasma testosterone levels of rats
Free MJ et al. (1981): Endocrinological effects of strong 60-Hz electric fields on rats