Previous studies have been shown that electromagnetic fields (EMF) result in increasing the rate of nerve regeneration. Therefore it could be assumed following axotomy the signal induction of these fields may protect neural cells from death.

       For this study 24 male wistar rats (2 month age) divided to 4 groups (experimental 1, 2, control and sham). For axotomy, the animals were anesthetized and their right Sciatic Nerve (SN) were exposed and crushed in the mid portion of the thigh in experimental and control groups. In the sham group the SN just exposed (no compression). In the next phase experimental groups were exposed to the 50 HZ electeromagnetic field (EMF), 1.1mTl 2-4
   hr/day (for 10 days). After 8 weeks, Dorsal Root Ganglions (DRG)s in the lumbar segments (L4-L6) of spinal cord were sampled, processed sectioned serially and stained with toluidine blue (pH=4.5). By using stereological quantitative technique (physical disector), the neurons in the crushed side (DRG)s were counted and compared in the all of groups.

          Statistical analyses of results have been shown a remarkable reduction in neuronal density in (DRG)s of control. On the other hand we observed a cell death DRG significant among experimental groups (p<0/05). In addition we compared DRG volume in all groups but they didn’t show any significant
   difference.

          These findings indicate that the EMF may play a survival role against neuronal death during nerve injuries.