Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Evaluation of hormonal change, biochemical parameters, and histopathological status of uterus in rats exposed to 50-Hz electromagnetic field. med./bio.

By: Aydin M, Cevik A, Kandemir F, Yuksel M, Apaydin A

Published in: Toxicol Ind Health 2009; 25 (3): 153-158

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on hormonal status and on morphology of the uterus and ovaries of rats.

Background/further details

Female rats were assigned to three exposure groups (each n=7) with one, two and three months exposure duration and a control group (n=7).

Endpoint

effects on the reproductive system: morphology of the uterus and ovaries
endocrine changes: hormonal status: progesterone, estradiol

Exposure

- power transmission line

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 24 h for 1, 2 or 3 months	magnetic flux density: 4.821 µT average over time electric field strength: 1.66 kV/m average over time

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	electric field magnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 24 h for 1, 2 or 3 months

Exposure setup

Exposure source	power transmission line

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	4.821 µT	average over time	measured	-	-
electric field strength	1.66 kV/m	average over time	measured	-	-

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the reproductive system: morphology of the uterus and ovaries: organ weights, histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin stain, light microscopy)
endocrine changes: hormonal status: serum levels of progesterone and 17-beta-estradiol (immunoassay)
biochemical parameters: plasma concentration of malondialdehyde, catalase enzyme activity and glutathione (different biochemical assays, spectrophotometry)

Investigated material:

tissue slices
isolated organ
blood sample

Investigated organ system:

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No effects of exposure on progesterone, on 17-beta-estradiol levels, or on the morphology and weight of the uterus and ovaries were found.
Depending on exposure duration significant reductions in catalase enzyme activity were found. The most reduced catalase enzyme activities were observed in the three-months exposure group. For glutathione and malondialdehyde no significant differences between groups were found.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

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