Effects of 50 Hz extremely low frequency sinusoidal magnetic fields on the apoptosis of the hearts of preincubated chicken embryos at different levels of developments

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to demonstrate the effects of 50 Hz sinusoidal extremely low frequency of magnetic fields (ELF-MF) on preincubated chicken embryo hearts at histopathological, biochemical, and ultrastructural levels.

Materials and methods: Ninety healthy fertilized eggs were divided into six groups of control, sham and four (1–4) experimental groups exposed to 1.33, 2.66, 5.52, and 7.32 mT flux intensities. Sham groups were placed inside the coil with no exposure for 24 h, while the eggs of experimental groups were exposed to four different intensities inside the coil for 24 h before incubation. Then, all were incubated in an incubator (37 ± 0.5°C and 60% humidity) for 14 days.

Results: Evidence proved that ELF-MF create damaged myocytes in experimental group 1; condensed dark nuclei, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in addition to increased intracellular spaces in experimental group 2; light inflammation and myocyte necrosis in experimental groups 3 and 4; an increase in the number of nuclear membranes’ pores, small round unclear cristae mitochondria, and a decrease in the number of mitochondria in the myocytes of experimental group 4; and also an increase in alkaline phosphatase activities in the experimental groups.

Conclusion: The effects of ELF-MF on the preincubated chicken embryos’ hearts show the necessity for conservation plans for prevention from possible harm.

Keywords::

• ELF-MF
• histomorphometry
• alkaline phosphatase
• TEM
• apoptosis
• necrosis
• preincubated chicken embryos