The effects of electric fields on biological systems

The aim in this study was to examine protein synthesis in liver tissue under the effect of exogenous electric fields applied in different intensities and directions. Sixty male white guinea pigs, weighing 350-400 g were used for the study. The E field of 1.9 kV/m obtained from a DC (direct current) power supply with 300 V was applied in a vertical direction to 10 guinea pigs, and in a horizontal direction to another 10 guinea pigs. In the same manner, 0.9 kV/m obtained from a DC power supply with 150 V was applied in the vertical direction to 10 guinea pigs, and in the horizontal directions to the other 10 guinea pigs. The remaining 20 guinea pigs were used as the control without any E field exposure. The hydroxyproline level in the liver tissue was determined by the modified Stegemann-Staider method. Horizontal and vertical application of electric field of 0.9 kV/m decreased the hydroxyproline level in liver tissue as compared to controls, whereas 1.9 kV/m electric field increased the level in both application directions. Vertical application of both of the electric fields was found more effective than the horizontal one, the differences being statistically significant.