Alterations of Hematological Variations in Rats Exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (50 Hz)

Background and AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of in vivo exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on whole blood parameters (hematological parameters) in rats.MethodsForty eight female Wistar rats, obtained from the Medical Science Application and Research Center, Dicle University, Turkey in 2004 were divided into four separate groups: two exposed groups (0.97 mT, 50 and 100 days, 3 h/day) and two controls (sham).ResultsEosinophil, hemoglobin and MPV levels significantly decreased in rats that were exposed to EMF for 50 days. When the data for rats exposed for 50 days and 100 days were compared, it was found that MPV levels in rats exposed for 100 days were significantly lower.There was no significant difference in total leukocyte, neutrofil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts, or in erythrocyte, Hct, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT and PDW levels between the exposed and sham-exposed groups. ELF-EMF exposure had no effect on body weight. Also, liver weight did not show any significant difference between groups.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the applied ELF-EMF exposure may induce slight but statistically significant alterations in some hematological parameters of rats, within the physiological range.