ABSTRACT
Vitamin A is involved in vertebrate morphogenesis, growth, cellular differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Vitamin A and its metabolites are essential for adequate embryo development. Electromagnetic fields [EMFs] have been used effectively to treat some diseases, such as certain musculoskeletal and chondrogenic disorders. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of EMFs and Vitamin A on limb bud development in Balb/C mice in vivo. The Balb/C mice were used as experimental model. After mating, the pregnant mice were divided randomly into 3 groups as control, sham and experimental groups. Control and experimental groups received a single dose injection of Vitamin A [15000IU/Kg] on 10.5[th] gestational day, interaperitonealy. In addition, animals in experimental group were exposed to EMFs [50 Hz /100 gauss, for 4[th] during three days]. The animals were killed on the 15.5[th] day of gestation and were submitted to caesarian section. The obtained fetuses were examined externally with an analyzed under a stereoscopic microscope and were photographed. Data were analyzed statistically by t-test and ANOVA and Ktuskal-Wallis. Morphological and histological examinations showed significant changes in limb buds as compared with sham exposed and control groups. In both fore and hind limb buds significant decrease obtained in proximo-distal [P-D] and anterior posterior [A-P] axes [P<0.05]. Chondrocytes counts revealed a significant delay in the development of chondrocytes in experimental groups as compared with sham exposed and control groups [P<0.05]. Synergistic effects of vitamin A and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [50Hz] cause delay in development