Studies on Weak Electromagnetic Fields Effects in Chick Embryos

摘要

This research was directed to test some experimental conditions of the Henhouse project and to enforce a previous study on VLF electromagnetic fields effects on chick embryos. Henhouse Project: We studied the response of White Leghorn Hisex embryos to field exposures effective on the Shaver breed, as previously reported. 1) A 48 hours exposure, in vivo, to a pulsed horizontal field of 100 Hz frequency, 1.0 micro T intensity, 500 microsecond pulse duration and 2 microsecond rise time induced a significant increase of developmental abnormalities in Hisex embryos. 2) A five hours exposure of stage 7 Hisex embryos changed the Mitotic Index of their neural tissue. So, the early development of Hisex embryos, like Shaver embryos, can be modified by VLF pulsed electromagnetic fields. In the protocol of the Henhouse project, it was suggested a temperature of 38 C for eggs in cubation. Studying the development of chick embryos in relation to the temperature, in the range of 37.4-40 C, we confirmed that a 48 hours incubation at 38 C (with 55% humidity) does not induce abnormalities and allows a convenient developmental growth rate of the chick embryos. electromagnetic fields effects in relation to the embryos orientation: Our preliminary results on the induction of abnormalities in field exposed embryos in relation to their orientation were confirmed. In a East-West oriented horizontal pulsed field, the organisms oriented to Southwest and Southeast showed a significant increase of developmental abnormalities. No effect was appreciable among the embryos Southward oriented.