Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Alterations of Hematological Variations in Rats Exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (50Hz) med./bio.

Published in: Arch Med Res 2009; 40 (5): 352-356

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the possible effects of in vivo exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on whole blood parameters (hematological parameters) in rats.

Background/further details

48 female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: two exposure groups (50 and 100 days) and two sham exposure groups.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 3 h/day on 50 days (group 1) or 100 days (group 2)

General information

The magnetic field used in this study is within the limits of occupational and public environment EMF exposure guidelines and it exists in both public and occupational environments.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 3 h/day on 50 days (group 1) or 100 days (group 2)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup two pairs of Helmholtz coils with a diameter of 25 cm and 255 turns of 1.0 mm insulated soft copper wire; coils 25 cm apart; one pair positioned horizontally and the other vertically; rats placed in 17 cm x 17 cm x 25 cm metacrylate boxes for exposure
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.97 mT mean measured - +/- 0.136 mT

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Eosinophil, hemoglobin and mean platelet volume levels significantly decreased in rats exposed to the electromagnetic field for 50 days. Mean platelet volume levels were significantly lower in rats exposed for 100 days compared to the 50 day exposure group. There was no significant difference in any other paramter between the exposed and sham-exposed groups. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure had no effect neither on body weight nor on liver weight.
The data indicate that the applied electromagnetic field exposure may induce slight but statistically significant alterations in some hematological parameters of rats, within the physiological range.

Study character:

Study funded by

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