The influence of pulsed electric field on hematological parameters in rat

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate whether or not pulsed electric field (PEF) affects some hematological parameters in rats. Sixteen healthy male Wistar rats weighting 150–200 g were used and were randomly divided into two groups. Exposure group ( n = 8) was exposed to a PEF (10 kV m−1 for 1 h d−1) for 10 consecutive days. The control group rats ( n = 8) were not exposed to PEF. The following hematological parameters were measured in both the groups: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and platelets (PLTs). Some of the hematological parameters under investigation were similar in both the groups. Exposure group, exposed for 1 h d−1 during 10 consecutive days, induced a significant increase in the rates of WBC ( p < 0.05), RBC ( p < 0.05), Hb ( p < 0.05), Ht ( p < 0.05) and PLTs ( p < 0.05) in blood when compared with control. These results suggest that PEFs affect the hematological parameters in rat. Results of the parameters are statistically significant.