Histological Study on the Effects of Electromagnetic Field on the Liver of Albino Rats 1. Magnetic Stimulatory Effect on the Proliferation of Bile Duct Epithelium - Like Cells

Background: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure exists at home, workplaces as a result of all types of electrical equipment and building wiring as well as a result of nearby power lines. It represents one of the invisible environmental pollutant factors that affect animals and human health. Aim of the Work: The present work aimed to explore the pathogenesis of ductular proliferation and may also allow for better understanding its mechanism in the hepatic regeneration. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were utilized to study the effects of EMF equalling 2 ml Tesla, on the proliferation of periportal biliary epithelial cells. Magnetic exposure was applied for 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed after 1, 3,6,15, 30 and 60 days following exposure Results: Proliferations of numerous ductular structures surrounded by degenerated hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells and inflammatory cells were observed at the expanded portal areas. Proliferations of ductular structures were observed around the portal area to repopulate the destroyed liver cells. Numerous foci of newly formed hepatocytes that replace damaged hepatocytes were observed adjacent to the ductular structures. The presence of newly formed hepatocytes accompanied with partial disappearance of ductular epithelial cells and replacement of the periportal necrotic cells.The results also revealed that the degree of activation of ductular proliferated reaction was positively correlated with the degree of inflammatory activity and liver damage. Conclusion: Hepatic regeneration is related to ductular proliferated cells. The histological investigation of the nature of these cells will help to understand the mechanism of hepatocytes regeneration.