A Study of the Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Islets of Langerhans and Insulin Release in Rats

Abstract

Objective: Nowadays, modern technologies are increasingly used in domestic industries, home appliances, and cell phones. This has highlighted the necessity of protecting human beings from the impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) as a new challenge. Therefore, the present study aimed to find out what impacts EMFs have on the structure of Langerhans Islets and the insulin secretion levels in rat. Materials and Methods: Fourteen 12-week-old male rats were selected randomly: 5 as a control group and 9 as an experimental group. The experimental group was exposed to an EMF produced by an electromagnetic device, with a frequency of 50 Hz and intensity of 3 mT 4 h a day for 6 weeks. At the end of the 6 weeks, blood and pancreas tissue samples were taken for enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test and preparation for microscopic studies. Results: Results showed that in EMF exposed group insulin level was decreased (P < 0.05), which was associated with decreased area and perimeter of pancreatic islets (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to EMF impacts insulin secretion by influencing the size of pancreatic islets.