[Effect of an external electrostatic field on catecholamine secretion by rat adrenals]

Experimental rats were exposed to an electrostatic field of 200 kW/m for 1, 24 or 6 hours a day for 6 days. The effect of this exposure on the structure and function of adrenal chromaffin bodies and the concentration of catecholamines and their precursors in blood and adrenals was investigated. Using histochemical, fluorescent-microscopic and spectrofluorimetric methods, it was found that the exposure may modify the structure and function of adrenal chromaffins and the concentration of catecholamines in blood and adrenals. These changes depended on the exposure time. An hour exposure activated the secretory apparatus of adrenal chromaffins and enhanced catecholamine secretion to blood. A 24-hour exposure led to an increase in the concentration of catecholamines in adrenals and blood and a change in the organ cytoangioarchitectonics. A 6-day fractionated exposure resulted in a decrease of catecholamines both in blood and adrenals.