The synergetic effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields and vitamin A on the development of skin in Balb/C mice

Noticing the daily advancement of the role of electromagnetic field generators in human life, examination of the biologic impacts of these waves has come to be extensively appreciated by researchers. During pregnancy, vitamin A is extremely essential for the development of fetus and its lack, insufficiency or excess can result in embryonic malformations. This study investigated the synergetic effects of vitamin A and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the development of embryo skin in Balb/C mice. This study was experimental in nature. Eighteen pregnant mice were divided into control, sham-exposed and experimental groups. The mice in the experimental group were given an intra-peritoneal injection of 15000 IU/kg vitamin A on the 10.5th day of gestation and were, then, exposed to a 50Hz electromagnetic field 4 hours a day from 10 through 12th day of gestation. The animals were dissected and investigated morphologically and histologically on 17.5th day of gestation. The results showed an increase in the mean weight of fetuses in the experimental group in comparison to the sham- exposed group (p<0.05). Also, Crown-Rump of fetuses in the experimental group increased in comparison to those in the sham- exposed group (p<0.001). Epidermis thickness increased significantly in experimental group in comparison to sham- exposed (p<0.05), while the average number of basal, spinous cells and hair follicles decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the sham- exposed (p<0.001). The findings indicate that vitamin A usage and synergetic exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields (50Hz) profoundly affect the development and growth of skin epidermis in the fetus of Balb/C mouse.