To study the effects of chronic exposure of rats to a 50 Hz magnetic field on the diaphragm.
A total of 29 weaned rats were randomly divided into the following groups: 1) exposure of male rats to the 50 Hz magnetic field (n=7), 2) exposure of female rats to the 50 Hz magnetic field (n=8), 3) control group of male rats (n=7), 4) control group of female rats (n=7). At the end of the exposure period, all rats were sacrificed and examined.
| Exposure | Parameters |
|---|---|
|
Exposure 1:
50 Hz
Exposure duration:
4 hours/day for 7 months
|
|
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | 4 hours/day for 7 months |
| Exposure source | |
|---|---|
| Setup | a homogenous horizontal magnetic field was generated by a pair of circular coils of 21.5 cm diameter and 22.5 cm distance made of 160 turns of insulated copper wire; two rats were placed inside a plastic cage in the center of the coils |
| Sham exposure | A sham exposure was conducted. |
| Measurand | Value | Type | Method | Mass | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| magnetic flux density | 1.5 mT | - | measured | - | - |
In the electrophysiological parameters, peak latency and depolarization time of action potentials were significantly increased in exposed male rats (group 1) compared to their control group. Current intensity and the area of action potentials were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in exposed female rats (group 2) compared to their control group. In muscle contractility investigations, the maximum contraction force time obtained as a result of 10 Hz stimulation was significantly reduced in exposed male rats, and in exposed female rats, the maximum contraction force time obtained as a result of 20 and 40 Hz stimulation was significantly reduced compared to the respective control group. In biochemical parameters, the serum Ca+2 level was significantly decreased in exposed male rats and K+ and Ca+2 levels were significantly increased in exposed female rats compared to the respective control group. The total antioxidant status was significantly decreased in diaphragm tissue of exposed male rats and significantly decreased in serum of exposed female rats compared to the respective control group.
The authors conclude that only few effects of chronic exposure of rats to a 50 Hz magnetic field on the diaphragm were found, which were relatively small and unlikely to be clinically relevant. However, these effects seemed to be gender dependent.
This website uses cookies to provide you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies.
