Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and extremely-low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields: A study in the SOD-1 transgenic mouse model

Abstract

There is some evidence from epidemiological studies of an association between occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Our aim was to perform, for the first time, an animal study in a controlled magnetic environment. We used the SOD-1 mouse model to assess the possible effect of ELF magnetic fields on development of the disease. Seven mice per group were exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields at two intensities (100 and 1000 microT(rms)) before the onset of the clinical signs of ALS. Exposure lasted 7 weeks, and body weight, motor performance and life span were monitored. Our results did not reveal any evidence of a link between ELF exposure and ALS in this transgenic animal model.