Alteration of nitric oxide production in rats exposed to a prolonged, extremely low-frequency magnetic field

Electromagn Biol Med. 2007;26(2):99-106. doi: 10.1080/15368370701357866.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible effect of an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on nitric oxide (NO) level. In this study, 27 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control (sham-exposed). The first and second experimental group (n = 10) were exposed to 100 microT and 500 microT ELF-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (n = 7) group was treated like an experimental group except for ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, serum nitrite levels were measured by Griess reaction. A significant reduction was observed in nitrite levels among the first and second experimental groups of rats and sham-exposed rats after exposure for 10 months, 2 h a day, to ELF-MF of 100 and 500 microT (p < 0.01). These results suggest that prolonged ELF-MF exposure at intensities of exposure limits, determined by ICNIRP for public and occupational, may reduce NO production probably affected by NO generation pathways.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood / radiation effects*
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Male
  • Nitric Oxide / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitrites / blood
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Nitrites
  • Nitric Oxide