Evaluation of the Effect of Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on in Vitro Growth and Maturation of Mouse Oocytes

Introduction: Access to modern methods for increasing the percentage of in vitro human and animal mature oocytes can be useful in the treatment of some forms of human infertility as well as proliferation of many domestic and wild animals which generation is endangered. Effect of low- frequency electromagnetic fields on in vitro growth and maturation of mouse oocytes is recently considered as a new approach. In this study we evaluated the effect of low- frequency electromagnetic field on in vitro growth and maturation of mouse oocyte. Methods: In this study electromagnetic fields with frequencies of 5, 50 and 100 Hz and 2mT intensity were used. For observation of the effect of electromagnetic field four groups were selected: Group 1 as control group, which included 35 prenatal follicles (immature oocytes). Groups 2, 3 and 4were exposed to 5, 50 and 100 Hz electromagnetic fields, respectively. Results: Prenatal follicles exposed to 5 and 50 Hz frequencies showed no significant changes in diameter and survival rates. In contrast at a frequency of 100 Hz in 72-hour culture period a significant increase in diameter(155μm), follicles livability power(59%), oocyte maturation(52%) and GVBD(39%) was shown in comparison to other experimental groups and control group(P <0.05). Conclusion: Low-frequency magnetic field effects gene expression and thus protein synthesis, cell division, proliferation and behavior. Although this effect can be temporary, it can increase the percentage of ovulation for in vitro environment along with other environmental factors