Metamorphosis delay in Xenopus laevis (Daudin) tadpoles exposed to a 50 Hz weak magnetic field

Abstract

Purpose: The experiment was performed to prove that exposure to a relatively weak extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field retards tadpoles' development.

Methods: Two cohorts of Xenopus laevis laevis (Daudin) tadpoles were exposed during their immature period (∼60 days) to a 50 Hz magnetic field of 63.9 ≤ B ≤ 76.4 μT rms (root mean square, average values) magnetic flux density in a solenoid. At the same time, as controls, two comparable cohorts were reared in two aquariums remote from the solenoid. Cohorts' degree of development was quantified by daily inspections of animal limbs and attributing them to a stage of the Nieuwkoop and Faber () classification. The experiment was replicated three times.

Results: (a) Mean developmental rate of exposed cohorts was reduced with respect to controls (0.43 vs. 0.48 stages/day, p < 0.001) starting from early larval stages; (b) Exposure increased the mean metamorphosis period of tadpoles by 2.4 days compared with the controls (p < 0.001); (c) Maturation rates of exposed and control tadpoles changed during maturation period; and (d) Important mortality, malformations or teratogenic effects were not observed in exposed matured tadpoles.

Conclusion: A long-term exposure of X. laevis tadpoles to a relatively weak 50 Hz magnetic field causes a sub-lethal effect that slows down their larval developmental rate and delays their metamorphosis.

Keywords:

• weak ELF magnetic fields
• development retardation
• Xenopus laevis

Acknowledgements

We thank Prof. Irene Bozzoni (‘La Sapienza’ University), Dr Anna Polcari, Dr Gianluigi Tarantino, and Mr Carmelo Romano for their help in performing the experiments, and Dr Olivia Severini for reviewing the English manuscript. This research was funded by ISPESL fund B129/DIPIA/2003. The experiments described in this article have complied with the current Italian laws.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the papers.