Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (100 µT) on behaviors in rats med./bio.

Published in: Neurotoxicology 2016; 52: 104-113

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of exposure of rats to a 50 Hz magnetic field on the behavior, cognitive functions and brain histology should be investigated.

Background/further details

60 rats were equally divided into two groups: exposure and sham exposure. After (sham) exposure, both groups were divided into 3 subsets (n=10 each) to minimize the impact from the testing time and the prior testing. One subset of the animals was subjected to the tests in the order of open field test, tail suspension test and Morris water maze, meanwhile, another subset was subjected to the elevated plus maze and forced swim test subsequently. The last subset of both groups was subjected to the fear conditioning test. After these tests, all animals were killed and the brains examined.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 20 hours/day for 24 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 20 hours/day for 24 weeks
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • not specified
Chamber polycarbonate ventilated cages (45 cm x 20 cm x 35 cm, L x W x H), changed every 2 weeks
Setup exposure device (200 cm x 70 cm x 200 cm, L x W x H) was constructed with ABS plastics and utilized bronze wires; a four floors plastic shelf with a size of 140 cm x 70 cm x 200 cm (L x W x H) was placed inside the device; 45-55% relative humidity and 22-25°C room temperature were maintained
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 100 µT - measured - -

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)

No significant differences in any parameter were found between exposed and sham exposed rats.
The authors conclude that exposure of rats to a 50 Hz magnetic field has no effects on the behavior, cognitive functions and brain histology.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles