An ELF magnetic Control Study of Metamorphic Qualities in T4-Administrated Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)

The purpose of this paper is to investigate extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic effects with different exposure timings on the forced metamorphosis of Mexican axolotls, which is induced by a function of thyroxine (T
4
). One hundred and forty axolotls (about 5 months old, approximately 80 mm) were individually kept in appropriate square boxes containing a dechlorinated water without aeration. Following a soak with T
4
for 60 h, the T
4
solution was displaced by a dechlorinated water, employing an original water-renewing system. Exposures of T
4
-administrated axolotls to ELF fields (5.0 mT at 10 Hz) were performed using an air-cored coil system. The water temperature was strictly controlled at 24°C. The morphological changes and the survival rates of the axolotls affected by the prestimulation of the T
4
were monitored every day. In consequence, we discovered that the initiation timings of ELF field exposure did influence the speed of the morphological changes, as well as the survival rates of the following salamanded axolotls. As a point worthy of special mention, there was a close connection between the T
4
-corresponding survival rates and serious indigestion/anorexia in the salamanded bodies. Our data could prove to be helpful for future reference with respect to a magnetic control study of tissue-regeneration.