Effect of DC-Magnetic Field on Chemically – Induced Carcinogenesis in Rats

Abstract

Exposure to magnetic fields has become an active area of biophysical research. Epidemiological and laboratory studies have recently revealed a possible relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields and high risk of certain diseases particularly cancer. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effect ofDC-magnetic field on chemically-induced carcinogenesis in rats. In addition to the control groups, four experimental groups of male

Sprague- Dawley rats were exposed to MF. Rats in all Groups, except those of group 6, were given DMH injections, 20 mg/kg b. wt once a week subcutaneously (s.c.) for four times. The injections were committed from the end of the fourth week till the end of the seventh week of the experiment. • Group 1: Rats were exposed to the MF by being placed in special cages inside the instrument for four weeks (12 hours/day from 8 pm- to- 8- am). This group was exposed before (pre) the carcinogen (DMH) administration. • Group 2: Rats were exposed to the MF bythe same procedure and the same interval but simultaneously during the DMH administration from week 4 till end of week 7. • Group 3: Rats were exposed to the MF after (post) the carcinogen administration by the same protocol. • Group 4: Rats were exposed to the MF continuously (12 hours/day from

8 pm- to- 8- am) from the beginning to the end of the experiment after

12 weeks.

• Group 5: Rats served as positive carcinogen-treated controls and have never been exposed to MF.