Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Prolonged Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field Affects Endocrine Secretion and Structure of Pancreas in Rats. med./biol.

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Aim of study (according to author)
To study the effect of long-term exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields on the endocrine secretory function and structure of pancreas in rats.
Background/further details:
45 male rats were divided in three equal groups: exposed group, sham-exposed group and control group.

Endpoint

• endocrine changes: plasma concentrations of insulin, glucagon and glucose; changes in pancreas structure

Exposure
General category: magnetic field, low frequency field, 50/60 Hz (AC)

Field characteristics	Parameters
50 Hz exposure duration: continuous for 24 h/day on 135 days	magnetic flux density: 1 mT

Exposed system:
animal (species/strain): rat/Wistar
whole body exposure

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• morphological/histopathological changes: changes in pancreas structure, size of Langerhans islets (light microscopy)
• endocrine changes: plasma concentrations of insulin, glucagon and glucose (radioimmunoassay)
• others: body weight

Main outcome of study (according to author)
The results showed that the insulin level of the exposed group was increased which was associated with an increased size of pancreatic Langerhans islets. The glucose level was decreased but the glucagon level did not significantly change.
The authors conclude that long-term exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields affects insulin secretion by influencing the structure of pancreas.

(Study character: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study)

Study funded by

• Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

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