Subchronic effects of static magnetic fields on cutaneous microcirculation in rabbits

Abstract

The subchronic effects of locally applied of static magnetic fields (SMF) on the cutaneous microcirculation within the rabbit ear chamber (REC) were evaluated under conscious conditions. The microcirculatory vasomotion within a REC was measured continuously and analyzed multilaterally by microphotoelectric plethysmography and an image shearing monitor. A SMF, a 180 mT (milli Tesla) cylindlical samarium-cobalt permanent magnet was attached on REC for 24 hours to 4 weeks Exposure to SMF for 1-3 weeks significantly induced long-lasting vasodilation with enhanced vasomotion as compared to control group. Thereafter the active vasomotion of SMF group was depressed and/or returned to initial values and there was no difference between SMF and control groups. The results suggest that the subchronic exposure of SMF can bidirectionally modulate microcirculatory vasomotion in cutaneous tissue.