Exposure to alternating magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) affects rat pituitary ACTH cells

Abstract

Presence of an alternating magnetic field of extremely low frequency (ELF-MF, <300 Hz) is correlated with technological development in a modem world. ELF-MF shows its influence on different cell types and organs and leads to changes in ion cuffents, neurotransmission and behavior. Modern medicine uses some positive aspects of ELF-MF action for treating some conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Bearing in mind that hlpothalamo-pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis is a system responsible for maintaining homeostasis in organisms, the aim of the present study was to determine does extremely low frequency magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) affect pituitary adrenocorticotroph (ACTH) cells in adult animals. The following experiments were perfonned: 3 month old rats were shofi-term exposed to ELF-MF either for I or 7 days, while longterm exposure to ELF-MF was conducted on rats from their conception to 3 months of age. Stereological analysis was performed on immunolabeled pituitary ACTH cells. Specifically, we measured total number and volume ofACTH cells, the volume of theiL nuclei and pituitary volume. Obtained data showed that ELF-MF exposure for 1 da1' significantly decreased total number and volume of ACTH cells, the volume of their nuclei, as well as pituitary volume. Furlhermore, 7 days ELF-MF exposure significantir reduced only the ACTH cells volume. Life-long exposure to ELF-MF decreased thc volume of ACTH cells as well as the pituitary volume. Based on these results we can conclude that the applied ELF-MF has a strong influence on the pituitary ACTH cells tnotphometrical parameters and could be characterized as a stressogenic factor.