Alterations of biological parameters in mice chronically exposed to low-frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields

In an experimental study we measured changes in hematological, biochemical and cortisol parameters in 6-week-old Swiss mice continuously exposed to ELF generated by a transformer station and high current bus bars. Mean daily exposure of 5.0 microT was maintained for 350 days. Hematological parameters were compared to those of control mice (n=12) exposed to a field level lower than 0.1 microT. Serum biochemical parameters (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, amylase, creatine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase) were measured after 28 days of exposure and serum cortisol after 90 and 190 days. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming cells (GM-CFC) were counted at the end of the 350-day exposure. On day 20, exposed animals showed a significant decrease in leukocyte, erythrocyte, lymphocyte and monocyte counts and in hemoglobin and hematocrit values, while MCV increased. On days 43 and 63 no significant difference was observed in leukocyte and erythrocyte values, as if hemopoiesis had recovered. On day 90, a significant fall in the leukocyte, polynuclear neutrophil and eosinophil counts was observed in the exposed animals. No significant difference was noted in the biochemical parameters studied. On day 190, exposed animals had neutropenia and a decrease in the cortisol value. On day 350, no significant difference in hematological parameters was noted. Individual differences in sensitivity were observed, as 8 mice in the exposed group showed a significant decrease in the leukocyte, polymorphonuclear neutrophil and GM-CFC counts, while in two mice there was a significant increase in these same values compared to those unexposed mice.