Effect of Short-time Exposure of Local Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields on Sleepiness in Male Rats

Introduction: Lack of high-quality sleep causes severe side effects like anxiety and changes in plasma concentration of oxalate. The current study investigated the impact of local extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on inducing sleep (sleepiness) and anxiety in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were divided into four groups (n=10 for each group). The ELF-MF exposure (0, 10, and 18 Hz) was applied with an intensity of 200μT for three days (10 min/d). The sham-treated animal did not receive ELF-MF. Serum levels of oxalic acid (OA) and sleepiness were measured before and after the last exposure to ELF-MF or sham. Anxiety, sleepiness, and OA were measured using the elevated plus maze, open-field test (OFT), and ELISA test. Results: A comparison of oxalate levels before and after exposure to ELF-MF revealed that ELF-MF (10 Hz) decreased the serum level of oxalate (P 0.05). Comparing open/ closed arm entry (in an elevated plus maze) between before and after exposure to ELFMF revealed significant differences. Also, frequency, velocity, and distance moved were decreased in the open-field test. Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrated that ELF-MF with short-time exposure may modulate the metabolism of OA and may modulate anxiety-like behavior or kind of induction of sleepiness in male rats.