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In-vivo study on the harmful effect of the extremely low frequency unipolar pulsating magnetic field in mice
1Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea.
Abstract:
We studied the biological effect of a magnetic field on murine brain and kidney. Magnetic field we used was generated by Magno-DR apparatus (Hanil Co., Korea) which produced a high density unipolar square pulsating magnetic field, about 0.3 approximately 0.5 Tesla at 7 Hertz. Animals were placed in the chamber of the machine for various times from 4 hours to 24 hours. Histological sections of brain and kidney were made after perfusion fixation with paraformaldehyde. The light microscopic examination showed eosinophilic change of cytoplasm and positive immunohistochemical reaction to amyloid precursor protein in the neurons of the cerebral cortex. However, the thalamus and brain stem were less affected. The changes in the brain was seen in the mouse exposed more than 12 hours. The renal tubular epithelium showed degenerated tubules scattered in cortical area but little change was noted in glomeruli in the cortex and collecting tubules in the medulla. Immunohistochemistry of the kidney showed weakly positive reaction for the amyloid precursor protein in the distal tubular epithelium after 4 hours of exposure. These data suggest that strong pulsating magnetic fields could induce deleterious effect on the murine brain tissue and renal cortical tubules.
Insights
Strong pulsating magnetic fields may harm mouse brain and kidney tissues. Exposure over 12 hours caused cerebral cortex changes, while kidney tubules showed damage after 4 hours.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Nephrology
Background:
- Pulsating magnetic fields (PMFs) are increasingly used in various applications.
- Understanding the biological effects of high-density PMFs is crucial for safety assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological effects of a high-density unipolar square pulsating magnetic field on murine brain and kidney tissues.
- To determine the exposure time thresholds for observed histological changes.
Main Methods:
- Murine models were exposed to a 0.3–0.5 Tesla, 7 Hz pulsating magnetic field for 4 to 24 hours.
- Histological examination and immunohistochemistry for amyloid precursor protein were performed on brain and kidney tissues.
Main Results:
- Cerebral cortex neurons exhibited eosinophilic changes and amyloid precursor protein accumulation after >12 hours of exposure.
- Renal tubular epithelium showed degeneration in the cortical area after 4 hours, with weak amyloid precursor protein positivity.
- Thalamus, brain stem, glomeruli, and collecting tubules were less affected.
Conclusions:
- High-density pulsating magnetic fields can induce deleterious effects on murine brain and renal cortical tubules.
- Exposure duration is a critical factor in the observed tissue damage.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of PMF-induced cellular damage.