Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Static magnetic fields alter arteriolar tone in vivo med./bio.

By: Morris C, Skalak T
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2005; 26 (1): 1-9
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of magnetic field exposure on vasodilation and vasoconstriction of microvessels in skeletal muscle of adult rats in vivo.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1:
Exposure duration: 15 min

General information

26 rats were divided into 4 groups: 1) SMF exposure (n=9), 2) Sham exposed (n=4), 3) SMF exposed and dilated at the end of the experiment (n=8) and 4) dilated following sham exposure (n=5).

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency
Type
Exposure duration 15 min
Additional info Static magnetic field (SMF)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup The magnetic field was applied with the magnet placed at a distance of 2 mm to the skeletal muscle of the rat. The rat was placed on a microscope stage
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 70 mT - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The diameters of arteriolar microvessels were measured before, immediately after, and 15 and 30 minutes after exposure respectively. The extent of vessel contraction (i.e. microvasular tone) was calculated.
On average of the percent change, there was no sustained, statistically significant response of vessel diameter to the magnetic field exposure when compared with sham-exposure. However, significant changes in vessel diameter were found in absolute vascular response. The data of this study suggest that magnetic field exposure has an effect on arteriolar microvessel diameter, but the underlying mechanism still remains unclear.

Study character:

Study funded by