Effects of constant magnetic fields on the B-cells and insulin target cells in the rat.

Young male rats were exposed to constant uniform magnetic fields of 400 and 800 millitesia (mT). No changes were observed in the body and in the pancreas weight, in the pancreatic insulin content and in the in vitro insulin release of Langerhans islets, in glucose and insulin plasma levels. The magnetic fields abolished the insulin effect on glucose uptake of diaphragms, but not on 1-14C-glucose oxidation. In adipocytes 400 mT increased insulin-stimulated 1-14C-glucose oxidation, when expressed as percentage of mean basal oxidation, and 800 mT diminished it.