Effect of 50-Hz 1-mT magnetic field on the uterus and ovaries of rats (Electron microscopy evaluation)

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELFMF) on the uterus and ovary of rats. Material/Methods: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups, one for 50 and the other for 100 days of exposure. Each group was further divided into two groups, one sham exposed (n=12) and the other the experimental group (n=12). The experimental rats were exposed to 50-Hz 1-mT ELFMF for three hours/day for 50 or 100 days. The sham groups of rats were kept under the same circumstances without applying ELFMF. Electron microscopic examination was performed to evaluate the ovaries and uterus. Results: Ultrastructural dissolution, decrease in cell organelles, cavities in cells, heterochromative appearance, and typical structural loss of the nucleus were observed in germinal epithelial cells of the rat ovaries in the 50-days ELFMF exposure group. Ultrastructural alterations in germinal epithelium and tunica albuginea of ovaries, irregularity in nucleus and nucleolus, increase in lipid vacuoles of cell cytoplasm and reduction in organelles were observed in rat ovaries in the 100-days ELFMF exposure groups. Similar alterations were observed in uterus. Malondialdehyde concentration (MDA) of the ovaries and uterus increased in rats of the two exposure groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the study showed that 50 and 100 days of exposure to a 1-mT ELFMF can cause alterations at the cellular level and in MDA concentration.