Effects of acute exposure to static magnetic field on ionic composition of rat spinal cord

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of static magnetic fields (SMF) on ionic composition of rat spinal cord. Male Wistar rats were daily exposed to SMF of 128 mT, for 1 h/day during five consecutive days. Spinal cord samples were extracted, weighed and mixed in bidstilled water in order to be analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Plasma ionic composition was also made. Acute exposure to SMF increased significantly the calcium (+68%, p < 0.05) and iron (+35%, p < 0.05) contents of rat spinal cord, whereas magnesium and copper levels remained unchanged. In plasma, SMF treatment failed to alter calcium concentration but decreased iron level (-17%, p < 0.05). These data indicate that SMF acute exposure can induce alterations of ionic composition in the rat spinal cord and the plasma electrolytes balance.