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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Contrast Imaging in Mouse Embryos Using High-frequency Ultrasound
Published on: March 4, 2015
Differential effects of high and low strength magnetic fields on mouse embryonic development and vasculogenesis of
Mohamed M Bekhite1, Andreas Finkensieper2, Fouad A Abou-Zaid3
1University Heart Center, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Department of Cardiology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
Abstract:
Man-made magnetic fields (MFs) may exert adverse effects on mammalian embryonic development. Herein, we analysed the effect of 10mT 50Hz sinusoidal (AC) or static (DC) MFs versus 1mT MFs on embryonic development of mice. Exposure for 20days during gestation to 10mT MFs increased resorptions and dead fetuses, decreased crown-rump length and fresh weight, reduced blood vessel differentiation and caused histological changes, accompanied with diminished vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression in several organs. In embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived embryoid bodies exposure towards 10mT MFs increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased vascular marker as well as VEGF expression and enhanced apoptosis. In conclusion, our combined data from in vivo and in vitro experiments identified VEGF as an important mediator during embryonic development that can be influenced by high strength MFs, which in consequence leads to severe abnormalities in fetus organs and blood vessel formation.

