Bone density changes in mouse offspring after 50-Hz, 15-mu T electromagnetic field long-term exposure of two generations

Possible mass and bone density alterations were studied in second-generatio n OF1 mice exposed chronically since birth to a magnetic field of 50 Hz and 15 mu T. For that purpose, 120 animals were sacrificed at the age of 12 we eks (males) and 14 weeks (females) and their femurs studied by bone densito metry. A total of 24 parameters in two groups (densitometric parameters suc h as total mass, total density, etc. and mechanical parameters like periost eal and endosteal circumferences, etc.) were analyzed. Statistical study sh owed no significant differences in exposed versus control animals. However, we observed slight alterations in some parameters such as total density, t otal and trabecular area, etc. that showed quantitative alterations making sexual dimorphism decrease or disappear. In other parameters, such as total mass or cortical and trabecular mass, the experimental magnetic field made sexual differences increase. These slight variations were possibly induced by alterations in the experimental magnetic field in the rhythm of sex and adrenal hormone secretion.