ABSTRACT
The increasing number of devices emitting magnetic fields raised valid questions concerning their safety and potential risk for human exposure and its limits. For this purpose fifteen adult mice were exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [ELMF] at a frequency of 60 Hertz [Hz] and intensity of 20 millitesla [mT] for 2 hours for 2 consecutive days. Other 10 animals served as a control. After their sacrifice, serum testosterone was determined. In addition, electron microscopic study of mice brains and testes was done. The present study revealed that exposure to EMF caused significant increase in serum testosterone. Electron microscopic examination of brain cells showed marked demyelination of nerve fibres with degeneration of nerve cells. There was also degeneration of some spermatogenic cells with abnormal sperm morphology. In conclusion, the present study showed evident biochemical and histopathological changes of ELMF on the brain and testis. Further studies would be useful to assess the effect of other doses of exposure and to follow the degree of reversibility of these changes. Other investigations are also advisable to minimize the above biological effects and protect against ELMF
Subject(s)
Male , Animals, Laboratory , Brain/pathology , Brain/ultrastructure , Microscopy, Electron , Academic Dissertation/pathology , Academic Dissertation/ultrastructure , Testosterone , MiceABSTRACT
This study was conducted on 100 albino rat fetuses divided into 5 equal groups: Group I [negative control group], group II [positive control group], group III [biotin group], group IV [valproic acid group] and group V [valproic acid and biotin group]. Valproic acid administration resulted in a growth retardation of the fetuses manifested by a reduction in body weight and length. There were also multiple teratogenic effects in the form of celeosomia, heart hypoplasia, cleft palate, incomplete ossification of skull bones and absence of some digits of forelimbs. Biotin administration with valproic acid resulted in a significant improvement of the growth rate [weight and length] and a significant reduction in the teratogenic effects caused by valproic acid