Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Extremely low-frequency magnetic field decreased calcium, zinc and magnesium levels in costa of rat med./bio.

Published in: Biol Trace Elem Res 2011; 143 (1): 359-367

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study possible changes in some elements (e.g. magnesium, zinc, calcium) in the costa of rats exposed to long-term extremely low frequency magnetic fields.

Background/further details

21 rats were divided into three groups: sham exposure group (n=7) and two exposure groups (n=14). Five ribs of each animal were excised.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day, 7 days/week during 10 months

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 2 h/day, 7 days/week during 10 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup pair of Helmholtz coils with a diameter of 25 cm and 225 turns of 1 mm diameter insulated copper wire placed in a 130 cm x 65 cm x 80 cm Faraday cage, 25 cm apart; rats placed in a Plexiglas cage inside the coil system
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 100 µT - measured - standard safety limit for public exposure
magnetic flux density 500 µT - measured - standard safety limit for occupational exposure
cf. remarks - - - - I = 0.12 A for B = 100 µT
cf. remarks - - - - I = 0.5 A for B = 500 µT

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Calcium levels decreased in the 500 µT exposure group in comparison to the sham exposure group. Statistically significant decreases were found in magnesium and zinc levels in the 500 µT exposure group in comparison to sham exposure and 100 µT exposure groups. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of the levels of phosphorus, copper and iron.
The authors conclude that long-term extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure can affect the bone metabolism in rats by changing the levels of some important elements such as calcium, zinc and magnesium.

Study character:

Study funded by

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