Effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electro-magnetic fields on circadian rhythms and distribution of some leukocyte differentiation antigens in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic and electric fields (ELFEMFs) emitted from 380 kV transmission lines on some leukocyte differentiation antigens in dairy cows.

METHODS

The study was carried out in 5 cows exposed to 1.98-3.28 microT of ELFEMFs and in 5 control cows exposed to 0.2-0.7 microT of ELFEMFs. Following haematological and immunologic parameters were measured in both groups: WBC, CD45R, CD6, CD4, CD8, CD21, and CD11B leukocyte antigen expression.

RESULTS

Some of the haematological and immunologic parameters under investigation were similar in both groups. However, CD8 (T lymphocyte surface antigen) was higher in the exposed group (1.35 +/- 0.120 vs. 0.50 +/- 0.14 x 10(3)/mL). Furthermore, the CD4/CD8 ratio (0.84 +/- 0.05 and 2.19 +/- 0.16 for exposed and not exposed cows respectively) and circadian rhythm were different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to ELFEMFs is responsible of the abnormal temporal variations and distribution of some haematological and immunological parameters in dairy cows.