[Effect of a weak magnetic field on the course of an acute inflammation in the rat]

To determine the influence of weak magnetic field on the development of inflammations, a non-specific acute inflammation was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of sterile SEPHADEX-gel in the lower dorsal quadrants. The magnetic field applied had a strength of 10 Gauss (equivalent to 20 times the magnetic field of the earth), rectangular curve and a frequency of 10 Hz. Following a field exposure of 2 and 3 days, cytological and biochemical analyses of the blood and inflammatory exudate were performed. Parameters were leucocytes and proteins in the blood and in the focus of inflammation as well as blood electrolytes. The protein values in the focus of inflammation of the control animals remained unchanged on the second and third day whereas in the animals exposed to the magnetic field, they increased from the second to the third day. In the blood similar effects could be seen, but they were not as pronounced. We conclude from these data that the magnetic field causes an increased exudation of serum proteins in the focus of inflammation. The cellular component remains unchanged.