Leukocytes and Micronucleated Erythrocytes in Peripheral Blood from Mice Exposed to 50-Hz or 20-kHz Magnetic Fields

Abstract

CBNS and CBNCa mice were exposed to 50-Hz, 14-μT peak-to-peak (p-p) or 20-kHz, 15-μT pp magnetic fields (MFs) for various periods in 5 experiments. Numbers of leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as of micronucleated erythrocytes, were studied in peripheral blood. Statistically significant decreases in the number of lymphocytes occurred with nearly the same frequency as increases. The variation in the numbers of leukocytes was more time dependent in MF-exposed than in sham-exposed control animals. The ratio between the immature and mature erythrocytes increased significantly only in mice exposed for 90 days to a 50-Hz MF. The 50-Hz MF did not increase micronuclei in peripheral erythrocytes during 90-day exposure. Taken together, the results do not indicate any strong effects of MFs on leukocyte and erythrocyte formation in CBA mice. If there were slight effects on blood leukocytes, they need further confirmation with larger numbers of animals.

Key Words:

• Mice
• Magnetic fields
• Leukocytes
• Erythrocytes
• Micronuclei