Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the damaging effects and the possible mechanism of low-frequency pulsed magnetic field using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches.MethodsIn vitro,primary cortical neurons were prepared fro membryonic Wistar rats.The neurons of experimental group were exposed to Low-frequency Pulsed Magnetic Field(frequency:15 Hz,average magnetic field intensity:0.1 mT)for 2 days,3 times/d,30 minutes/time.The mor phology,the relative viability and the intracellular calcium level of neurons afterex posure were determined.In vivo,the rats in experimental group were exposed to the same low-frequency pulsed magnetic field for 30 days,45 min/d.The morphological changes were observed.ResultsIn vitro,myeloid body and mitochondrial ag gregation inside the cyton were observed in the experimental group,the relative viability of neurons in experimental group was 81.17%,which decreased sig nificantly than that of the control goup(P<0.01),the intracellular calcium level of neurons in experimental group increased significantly(P<0.01).In vivo,compared with the control group,abnormal changes of neurons were observed in experimental group.ConclusionThe irradiating with low-frequency pulsed magnetic field resulted in metabolic abnormality,elevated intracellular free calcium level of neurons in vitro and apoptosis of neurons in vivo.