Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Chronic Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field Induces Mild Renal Damages in Rats. med./bio.

By: Gholampour F, Owji SM, Javadifar TS

Published in: International Journal of Zoological Research 2011; 7 (6): 393-400

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effect of long-term exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields on kidney function and morphology in rats.

Background/further details

45 male rats were divided in three equal groups: exposed group, sham-exposed group and control group.

Endpoint

morphol./histopathol. changes: morphology of kidney
function of kidney (plasma concentrations of creatinine, urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin and globulin)

Exposure

- 50 Hz
- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- low frequency

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: continuous for 24 h/day for 135 days	magnetic flux density: 1 mT

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 24 h/day for 135 days

Exposure setup

Exposure source	solenoid
Chamber	100 cm x 100 cm x 35 cm wooden box as exposure chamber
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	1 mT	-	measured	-	-

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

morphol./histopathol. changes: morphology of kidney (congestion in the renal cortex, red blood cell count in glomerular capillaries; hematoxylin-eosin stain, light microscopy)
function of kidney (plasma concentrations of creatinine, urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin and globulin); body weight

Investigated system:

tissue slices
blood samples
investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

kidney

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The plasma concentration of creatinine and urea nitrogen was statistically significant increased in the exposed group compared to the sham exposed and control group. This result was accompanied by a marked vascular congestion in the renal cortex and a reduction in red blood cell count in glomerular capillaries. However, there were no changes in total protein, albumin and globulin levels.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
blind study

Study funded by

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

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