Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of alternating the magnetic field on phosphate metabolism in the nervous system of Helix pomatia med./bio.

Published in: Biol Res 2010; 43 (2): 243-250

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field on the nervous system metabolism of the garden snail Helix pomatia.

Background/further details

For 31P NMR spectroscopy 20 snails were exposed (10 snails for seven days and 10 snails for 16 days) and eight snails were sham exposed for seven days. For biochemical analysis three snails were exposed for seven days and four snails for 16 days (the control group consisted of five snails).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 7 or 16 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 7 or 16 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 20 cm
Setup solenoid with a regular laminated transformer core and pole dimensions of 9.5 cm x 9.5 cm used as electromagnet; snails were placed in a 26 cm x 43 cm x 15 cm polycarbonate box in front of the magnet
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.5 mT average over time measured - at the middle of the box

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Exposure of snails to the extremely low frequency magnetic field for a period of seven days shifted intracellular pH toward more alkaline conditions, and increased the activity of investigated enzymes involved in phosphate turnover. Prolonged exposure for the period of 16 days caused a decrease of phosphocreatine and ATP levels and decreased enzyme activities, compared to the seven day exposure.
The authors conclude that exposure to the extremely low frequency magnetic field for a period of seven days increased the overall phosphate turnover in the snail nervous system, while after prolonged exposure phosphate metabolism adopt to the exposure.

Study character:

Study funded by

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