Abstract
This study aimed to highlight the influence of exposure to different applied magnetic fields (MFs) on SOD, MDA and GSH levels in the liver, LDH and CPK activities in the muscle and γ-aminobutyric acid levels in the brain, as well as some haematological parameters. Adult male albino Swiss mice were divided into 5 equal groups (n = 6), the control group (untreated) and four exposure groups that were exposed to MFs of 20, 40, 60 and 80 Gauss for 5 min/day for 5 days.: Exposure to MFs induced significant decreases in total GSH levels and SOD activity but a significant increase in MDA levels in the liver. By contrast, SMF exposure significantly increased total LDH and total CPK activities in the muscle. The results revealed a significant increase in GABA levels in the brain, as well as decreases in haemoglobin, haematocrit, and red blood cell counts, in addition to platelet counts, after exposure to 20, 40, 60 and 80 Gauss MFs. After exposure to a 40 Gauss MF, the mice showed pathological changes in red blood cells, including changes to the outer membrane of the red blood cells (micronucleus and a serrated edge, with a mild incidence of echinocytes). In the group exposed to a 60 Gauss MF, examination of blood smears clearly showed changes in cell size, with the emergence of abnormal forms, including many areas with no red blood cells (rouleaux formation). With increasing intensity of exposure (80 Gauss), the red blood cells appeared completely different from their natural form and took the form of ovalocytes and bi-micronucleated erythrocytes, which appear in patients with anaemia. MF exposure caused different metabolic and haematological effects, which appeared to be related to the intensity of SMF exposure. The changes in the biochemical parameters of SMF-exposed mice probably reflect hepatic damage and anaemia caused by kidney failure. Further studies are needed to obtain a better understanding of the effects of MF on biological systems.
