Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of non-ionizing electromagnetic field on the alteration of ovarian follicles in rats med./bio.

Published in: Electron Physician 2016; 8 (3): 2168-2174

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of exposure of rats to a 50 Hz or 60 Hz magnetic field on the histology of ovarian follicles should be investigated.

Background/further details

30 three-month old rats were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each): 1) exposure for 8 weeks (three weeks intrauterine and five weeks ectopic (?)), 2) exposure for 13 weeks (three weeks intrauterine and ten weeks ectopic (?)), 3) non-exposed control group.
(remark EMF-Portal: The exposure conditions and the experimental design are not clear. The three-month old rats were probably pregnant and their offspring was exposed and investigated.)

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50–60 Hz
Exposure duration: for 8 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 5 weeks ectopic)
-
Exposure 2: 50–60 Hz
Exposure duration: for 13 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 10 weeks ectopic)
-

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50–60 Hz
Type
Exposure duration for 8 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 5 weeks ectopic)
Additional info contradictory statements on frequency (50 Hz or 50 Hz - 60 Hz)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • not specified
Parameters

No parameters are specified for this exposure.

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 50–60 Hz
Type
Exposure duration for 13 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 10 weeks ectopic)
Additional info contradictory statements on frequency (50 Hz or 50 Hz - 60 Hz)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • not specified
Parameters

No parameters are specified for this exposure.

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the control group (group 3), the thickness of the zona pellucida and the Theca layer were regular.
In group 1 (8 week exposure), the thickness of the zona pellucida and the Theca layer were irregular in some parts.
In group 2 (13 week exposure), disappearance and destruction of granulosa of the growing primary follicles and irregular oocytes in the follicle were observed. Additionally, the structure of the ovarian stroma was disrupted and accumulation of collagen fibers in the form of fibrosis was observed in parts of the stroma.
The atresia (i.e. breakdown) of the ovarian follicles was significantly different (not further specified) in both exposure groups compared to the control group.
The authors conclude that exposure of rats to a 50 Hz or 60 Hz magnetic field might affect the histology of ovarian follicles.

Study character:

Study funded by

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