Biological effects of electric field on histopathological study, electrical properties and kidney function of albino rats

Abstract

The present study was to investigate the effects of electric field (EF) of strength 50 Hz – 3 kV/m on the histopathology, dielectric properties and kidney function tests in albino rats. Forty eight albino rats were equally divided into three groups (16 each) namely A, B and C. Animals of group A used as control group which did not receive any treatment. Animals of group B was divided into two subgroups namely B1 and B₂ which were discretely exposed to 50 Hz, 3 kV/m electric field for a period of 15 day (8 h/day, 5 days/week). Group B2 were left to survive and housed at normal environmental conditions similar to control group A for a period of 15 days post exposed. Animals of group C were divided into two subgroups namely C1 and C2 which were discretely exposed to the EF for a period of 30 days (8 h/day, 5 days/week). Group C2 were left to survive and housed at normal environmental conditions similar to control group A for a period of 15 days post exposed. At the end of exposure, fresh samples of kidney and blood were collected from all groups for experimental investigations. The dielectric constant (έ) and electrical conductivity (σ) were measured in frequency range 42 Hz up to 5 MHz to investigate any possible-related changes in kidney structure through studying histopathological examination. Also, the kidney function was studied through analysis of urea and creatinine after exposure to EF. These biochemical parameters have been evaluated in the blood serum of rats. The results show high significant changes in the values of έ and σ of kidney tissues for all groups exposed to EF as compared with the control group. The exposure of rats to EF can induce significant increase in the levels of kidney profile creatinine and urea. These variations were recovered during two weeks after stopping exposure but they did not return to its original control values before exposure. On microscopic level; kidney histological section showed abnormal configuration of renal tubules RT, congested blood vessel and degenerated renal tubules arrow, necrosis N, glomerular shrinkage GS, and increase in space between glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.

Keywords: Electric field, histopathology, kidney function, dielectric constant, electrical conductivity.