Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on caspase activities and oxidative stress values in rat brain med./bio.

Published in: Biol Trace Elem Res 2010; 138 (1-3): 238-249

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of 100 µT and 500 µT extremely low frequency magnetic fields, which are the limit values for public environmental and occupational magnetic field exposure, on apoptosis and oxidative stress values in the brains of rats (each group n=10).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 2 hr/day, 7 days/week, for 10 months

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 2 hr/day, 7 days/week, for 10 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with a diameter of 25 cm made of 225 turns of soft copper wire with a diameter of 1 mm; coils placed horizontally facing each other; Plexiglas cage with rat positioned within the Helmholtz coil system inside a 130 cm x 65 cm x 80 cm Faraday cage
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 100 µT - measured - limit for public exposure
magnetic flux density 500 µT - measured - limit for occupational exposure

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Apoptosis and myeloperoxidase enzyme activity were not significantly different between the groups. Catalase enzyme activity decreased in both exposure groups, while total antioxidant capacity was lower in the 500 µT exposed group than those in the 100 µT and the sham exposure groups. Malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index values were found to be higher in the 500 µT group than those in the 100 µT and the sham exposure groups.
The authors conclude, that apoptosis was not changed by long-term extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure, while both 100 µT and 500 µT extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure induced a toxic effect in the rat brain by increasing oxidative stress and diminishing antioxidant defense system.

Study character:

Study funded by

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