Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of a 60 Hz, 3 microT, electromagnetic field on the somatic maturation of wistar rat offspring fed a regional basic diet during pregnancy med./bio.

Published in: Braz J Biol 2008; 68 (3): 641-648
Journal not peer-reviewed

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study how the exposure of pregnant rats to a 60 Hz electromagnetic field and receiving a regional basic diet, influenced the somatic maturation in their offspring.

Background/further details

The regional basic diet consumed by the population of Brazil is deficient in protein, lipids, vitamins, sodium and other minerals. Female rats received one of the follwing diets during pregnancy: 1) casein, 2) casein and electromagnetic field, 3) regional basic diet, 4) regional basic diet and electromagnetic field. After the rats gave birth, the somatic maturation of the male offspring (n=66) was examined.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 60 Hz
Exposure duration: 2 h/day for 21 days; 1 h in the morning and 1 h in the afternoon

General information

animals were treated in four groups: i) fed with casein ii) fed with casein + MF iii) fed a regional basic diet iv) fed a regional basic diet + MF

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 60 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration 2 h/day for 21 days; 1 h in the morning and 1 h in the afternoon
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 3 µT - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The offspring from rats exposed to electromagnetic fields and regional basic diet, presented a delay in all somatic maturation indexes. Offspring from exposed rats fed casein showed delay in the auricle opening, auditory canal opening and lower incisor eruption. The regional basic diet caused lower body weight in the offspring at the first and third day of life. Electromagnetic field exposure caused a decrease in the mean weight in the offspring of rats fed casein compared to non-exposed rats at day 3 and 6.
Exposure to electromagentic field and under-nutrition can cause a delay in somatic maturity and a decrease in body weight at the sixth day of life.

Study character:

Study funded by

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