Effects of the ELF-MFs on the development of spleens of preincubated chicken embryos

Abstract

Effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on the histopathology, histomorphometry, ultrastructural changes (transmission electron microscope, TEM), apoptosis and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in the spleens of preincubated white leghorn chicken embryo were investigated. Ninety fertilized eggs were divided into six groups as control (n = 15), sham (n = 15) and four experimental groups (1–4, n = 15). Eggs of experimental groups were exposed to 1.33, 2.66, 5.52 and 7.32 mTs flux intensities established in our previous published experiments and the last intensity was used for studying apoptosis and ultrastructures (TEM) of the spleens of 19-day-old chicken embryos. Eggs of control groups remained intact. Sham groups were placed inside the coil for 24 h before incubation with no exposures, then they were incubated in the same incubator (37°C, 60% humidity) for 19 days. Spleens of chicken embryos were removed, fixed in formalin (10%), and stained with H&E for histopathological and histomorphometrical surveys; TUNEL assay indicated possible change in apoptosis and TEM and biochemical studies were also carried out. Significant decreases in the sizes of the spleens of embryos of experimental groups, hyperemia, damages in spleen parenchyma, decreases in the numbers of splenic nodules, increases in the number of polymorphonuclear cells and sinusoidal spaces of spleens, significant increase in the level of ALP activities, significant increases in the numbers of apoptotic cells, deformed nuclei and swollen mitochondria were observed in experimental groups comparing with those in control and sham groups. ELF-MF created changes which could impair the immune functions.