Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Determination of the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the percentages of peripheral blood leukocytes and histology of lymphoid organs of the mouse med./bio.

Published in: Saudi Med J 2008; 29 (1): 36-41

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To determine the effects of a very weak, extremely low frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic field on the relative spleen weight, lymphoid organ histology, peripheral blood leukocyte and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase positive lymphocyte (as marker for T lymphocytes) percentages of the mouse.

Background/further details

A total of 120 mice (60 males and 60 females) were divided into 6 groups (20 in each group) and the experimental groups were exposed to 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 µT magnetic flux intensities for 40 days.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 40 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 40 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup six solenoids, each with a plastic core of 32 cm diameter and 300 turns of copper wire, cylindrical plastic cage with a diameter of 30 cm placed in the center of each solenoid
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 µT minimum calculated - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 µT
magnetic flux density 5 µT maximum calculated - -

Reference articles

  • Mevissen M et al. (1996): Exposure of DMBA-treated female rats in a 50-Hz, 50 microTesla magnetic field: effects on mammary tumor growth, melatonin levels, and T lymphocyte activation

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure with the magnetic flux intensities between 1-5 µT for 40 days did not cause any effect on the relative spleen weight, lymphoid organ histology, leukocyte and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase-positive lymphocyte percentages.
In the exposure groups the body weight increased gradually in higher field intensities and reached at peak level in the 4 µT, and then slightly decreased.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles