Clastogenicity and aneuploidy in newborn and adult mice exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields.
OBJECTIVE
To detect possible clastogenic and aneugenic properties of a 50 Hz, 650 muT magnetic field.


METHODS
The micronucleus test with CREST (Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dismotility, Sclerodactility, Telangectasia) antibody staining was performed on liver and peripheral blood sampled from newborn mice exposed to an ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) magnetic field during the whole intra-uterine life (21 days), and on bone marrow and peripheral blood sampled from adult mice exposed to the same magnetic field for the same period.


RESULTS
Data obtained in newborn mice show a significant increase in micronuclei frequencies. In absolute terms, most of the induced micronuclei were CREST-negative (i.e., formed by a chromosome fragment). However, in relative terms, ELF exposure caused a two-fold increase in CREST-negative micronuclei and a four-fold increase in CREST-positive micronuclei (i.e., formed by a whole chromosome). No significant effect was recorded on exposed adults.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest the need for investigation of aneugenic properties of ELF magnetic fields in order to establish a possible relationship to carcinogenesis.
Udroiu
I
I
Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo, Università, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Cristaldi
M
M
Ieradi
L A
LA
Bedini
A
A
Giuliani
L
L
Tanzarella
C
C
D000782:Aneuploidy; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D011829:Radiation Dosage