Effect of electromagnetic field (3mT frequency) on heart ulatrastructure in mice

Due to the conditions provided by the modern life, the human being is exposed to electromagnetic field (EMF). Appliance such as microwave oven, mobile phone, computer and power producing systems which have an extensive role in human life are the source of EMF. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown the adverse effect of EMF on biological systems. Previous works, using light microscopes have shown that EMF could produce morphological changes in cardiovascular system. However, there are few studies regarding ultrastructural effect of EMF on living tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate ultrastructural changes of cardiovascular system in EMF–exposed rats. Wistar rats were exposed to 3mili tesla EMF for 4 months, 4 hours/ day. After the experimental period, rats in control and experimental groups were sacrificed and tissue samples were prepared from the heart for electronmicroscopic studies. The studies on the endocardium revealed that there was nuclear condensation and destruction of subendocardial layer in experimental group. In myocardium, in addition to nuclear condensation the mitochondria were also vague. There was a remarkable gap between the endothelial cells and basement membrane in the vessels of heart tissue. Epicard layer in EMF-exposed group was thinner than the control group. The obtained changes in the present study indicate the harmful effect of EMF on cardiovascular system after long-term exposure. It demands a protective policy for human being from probable effects of EMF.