Biological effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) and its consequences on human health have become the subject of important and recurrent public debate. ELF-MF evokes cell/organism responses that are characteristic to a general stress reaction, thus it can be regarded as a stress factor. Exposure to ELF-MF “turns on” different intracellular mechanisms into both directions: compensatory or deleterious ones. ELF-MF can provoke morphological and physiological changes in stress-related systems, mainly nervous, hormonal, and immunological ones. This review summarizes the ELF-MF-mediated changes at various levels of the organism organization. Special attention is placed on the review of literature from the last decade. Most studies on ELF-MF effects concentrate on its negative influence, e.g., impairment of behavior towards depressive and anxiety disorders; however, in the last decade there was an increase in the number of research studies showing stimulating impact of ELF-MF on neuroplasticity and neurorehabilitation. In the face of numerous studies on the ELF-MF action, it is necessary to systematize the knowledge for a better understanding of the phenomenon, in order to reduce the risk associated with the exposure to this factor and to recognize the possibility of using it as a therapeutic agent.

Studies reported evidence for opposite effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF): harmful, including the oxidative stress induction, and beneficial, such as the activation of antioxidant defense. People’s exposure to EMF is often repeated or prolonged, and it is important to consider the cumulative effect of such kind of exposure on the organism. If changes evoked by repeated exposure to EMF are permanent, responsiveness to other stress factors can be modified. The aims of our study were (1) to evaluate changes in the levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers in the prefrontal cortex of adult rats after repeated exposure to 1 and 7 mT EMF and (2) to assess whether repeated EMF exposure can modify oxidative/antioxidative status in response to other stress factors. Rats were exposed to EMF 1 h/day for 7 days, one, twice, or three times. After each exposure, 8-isoprostanes, protein carbonyl groups, and the total antioxidant capacity were assessed. Part of the animals, after EMF treatment, was exposed to another stress factor—open field. Results showed that repeated exposure changed the oxidative/antioxidative status depending on the intensity of the EMF and the number of exposures. 1 mT EMF created weak changes in the oxidative status in the brain; however, 7 mT EMF moved the balance to a clearly higher level. The changes in the oxidative status after 1 mT EMF were enough to reduce, and after 7 mT EMF to intensify oxidative processes in response to the next stress. We concluded that the organism might adapt to “weak” EMF, while “strong” EMF exceeds the adaptive capacity of the organism and sensitizes it to subsequent stress, and thus may modulate vulnerability to diseases. Our results also provide new insights into the possible therapeutic properties of the magnetic field, as 1 mT EMF appears to have a potentially protective impact on the brain.

Recovery of function after sensory nerves injury involves compensatory plasticity, which can be observed in invertebrates. The aim of the study was the evaluation of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach (Periplaneta americana) nervous system after the sensory nerve injury and assessment of the effect of electromagnetic field exposure (EMF, 50 Hz, 7 mT) and TGF-β on this process. The bioelectrical activities of nerves (pre-and post-synaptic parts of the sensory path) were recorded under wind stimulation of the cerci before and after right cercus ablation and in insects exposed to EMF and treated with TGF-β. Ablation of the right cercus caused an increase of activity of the left presynaptic part of the sensory path. Exposure to EMF and TGF-β induced an increase of activity in both parts of the sensory path. This suggests strengthening effects of EMF and TGF-β on the insect ability to recognize stimuli after one cercus ablation. Data from locomotor tests proved electrophysiological results. The takeover of the function of one cercus by the second one proves the existence of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach escape system, which makes it a good model for studying compensatory plasticity. We recommend further research on EMF as a useful factor in neurorehabilitation.

Introduction: Low-frequency electromagnetic field (50 Hz) (EMF) can modify crucial neuronal processes. Existing data indicate that exposure to EMF may represent a mild stressor and contribute to disturbances of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The important regulatory pathways controlling HPA axis activity include two types of corticosteroid receptors: mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors. There are particularly abundant in the hippocampus, a key locus of HPA axis feedback control. The research aimed at determining whether 1) EMF exhibits hormesis, it means bidirectional action depending on EMF intensity (1 or 7 mT), and 2) repeated EMF exposure changes stress response to subsequent stress factors. Methods: The exposure (7-day, 1h/day) of adult rats to EMF (1 mT and 7 mT) was repeated 3 times. HPA axis hormones and their receptors were analysed after each following exposure. Moreover, the impact of EMF exposure on hormonal and behavioural responses to subsequent stress factor - open-field test was evaluated. Results/Discussion: Our data suggest that exposure to EMF can establish a new “set-point” for HPA axis activity. The direction and dynamics of this process depend on the intensity of EMF and the number of exposures. EMF of 1 mT induced an adaptive stress response, but 7 mT EMF caused sensitization. Consequently, EMF changed the vulnerability of the organism to a subsequent stress factor. We have also shown the increase of MR mRNA abundance in hippocampus of 1 mT EMF exposed rats, which can represent the possible neuroprotective response and suggest therapeutic properties of electromagnetic fields.

Development of a standard dosimetric facility with protection against external radiation background for the metrological support of highly sensitive radiation monitoring devices in accordance with the requirements of international standards .