The effect of low frequency electromagnetic waves and verapamil on formalin-induced pain response

Two-phase square electromagnetic fields (EMF) release a variety of neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Verapamil is an inhibitor of calcium channels and has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in various animal models. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of low frequency electromagnetic waves and verapamil on formalin-induced pain behavior in male rats.

In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 10, which included control group, verapamil injection group, irradiated group and verapamil group with radiation. In two groups under radiation and verapamil with radiation, rats were exposed to electromagnetic waves with a biphasic square wave frequency of 20 Hz. Pain were evaluated by formalin test and the results were compared between the groups.

The results of this study showed that irradiated groups, verapamil and verapamil plus radiation showed significant antinociceptive effect compared to control group so that pain significantly reduced in these three groups. Also in the irradiated and verapamil groups with irradiation compared with the verapamil group pain significantly (P <0.01) reduced,

Findings indicate the effect of low frequency electromagnetic fields and verapamil on pain relief in rats .This effect is probably related to the effect on the opioid system, alpha adrenergic and increased serotonin levels.