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Abstract
Several studies have indicated that magnetic fields are able to influence reproduction in mammals, but very few data are available on the effect of magnetic fields on ovarian function. In this study granulosa cells isolated from follicular aspirates of 25 in vitro fertilization treated women were cultured and exposed to a sinusoidal 50-Hz AC magnetic field during the entire time of a 48-h incubation with a flux density of B(AC) = 100 μT. Progesterone (P) production by granulosa cells was determined by radioimmunoassay. Granulosa cells in culture released high amounts of P. The magnetic field induced a significant increase in P production by granulosa cells obtained from eight individuals, when comparisons were made between exposed cells and sham-exposed cells of the same patient. In 17 subjects no alteration in P production was found. The positive treatment-related hormonal response in granulosa cells obtained from 32% of patients studied indicates that extremely low-frequency magnetic fields may interfere with P biosynthesis by human granulosa cells. Considering the pivotal role of P in gonadal and uterine function, these data may help to draw attention to the role of this physical environmental factor in modulating human female reproductive function.