The Effect of Prolonged Exposure to Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on the Cholinergic System in the Small Intestine of Male Rat

Background & Aims: In the recent years, increasing rate of using electronic devices which generate electromagnetic fields , has caused researchers, attention to the effects of electromagnetic fields on human health. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of prolonged exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields(ELF) on the Cholinergic system in the small intestine of rat. Methods: A total of 21 Adult male rats were divided into three groups: experimental group which were exposed to ELF (50Hz, 1mT) for 75 days, the sham-operated group, which were kept in similar conditions, but with Off solenoid; and the control group, which were kept in normal conditions. The isolated strips of the colon were inserted into organ bath and were linked to power lab A to D system force transducer and their mechanical activity were recorded in response to different doses of acetyl choline. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA test. Results: The relaxation of ileum in response to the acetyl choline (10-6 M) at different times and after deducting the basic tension showed a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in the experimental group as compared to the sham and control groups. While, the relaxation of ileum in response to the other dozes of acetyl choline (10-5 M) in the experimental group showed no significant difference as compared to sham and control groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that prolonged exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields might cause decreasing of the cholinergic receptors sensitivity.