The 50 Hz (10 mT) sinusoidal magnetic field: Effects on stress-related behavior of rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral changes induced by 50 Hz, 10 mT fl ux density Sinusoidal Magnetic Field (MF). Material and methods: Seventy-six young adult male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. They were separated into two groups: control group (C) n=38; MF group n=38. C animals were left under the same conditions with the MF group for 21 daysbut with prevented or avoided exposure to MF. Anxiety and stress-related behavioral changes were investigated by elevated plus-maze and hole-board systems. Just before being tested in the maze, each animal was tested by means of the hole-board method in order to separate the directed exploration behavior and locomotion activity changes from anxiety-related behavior. Results: In the hole-board system parameters there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups.There was a statistically significant difference between MF and C groups when the ratio of time spent on open arms to the total time spent on all arms was evaluated (0.12±0.08 and 0.34±0.18 respectively and p <0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that after 21 days, a continuous exposure to extremely low frequency of magnetic field (50 Hz, 10 mT) has no significant effect on activity and exploration activity but significantly induces stress and anxiety-related behavior in rats.