Effects of Extremely Low Frequency (50 Hz) magnetic Field on Serum Cortisol and Testosterone levels and Testes Histology of the Mice

Aim: Since public exposure to extremely low frequency (50 Hz) magnetic fields (ELF-MF) is gradually increasing in industrialized countries, research efforts have focused on the possible effects of the ELF-MF fields on the human health. In this study, it was aimed to find out the effects of ELF-MF at various intensities on serum cortisol and testosterone levels and to determine histological changes in the testes of the ELF-MF-exposed mice. Material and method: Sixty four mice (Swiss albino mice) obtained from Selçuk University Experimental Medicine Research and Application Center were used in the sudy. The experimental groups were exposed to 50 Hz MF at different intensities (10, 30 and 50 mG) for 40 days. Results: The serum cortisol levels of the male mice decreased by field effect but in female mice no significant differences were found between control and exposure groups. However, the differences between the control and exposure groups were not significant when the serum cortisol levels of male and female mice were regarded as awholes. Serum testosterone level of the 50 mG group was significantly higher than those of the other groups. No significant histological changes were determined in the testes in both control and any exposure groups. Conclusion: There is no direct correlation between the ELF-MF intensity and serum cortisol and testosterone levels, and ELF-mf does not cause histological changes in testes.