Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field Modulates the Level of Neurotransmitters

Abstract

This study was aimed to observe that extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) may be relevant to changes of major neurotransmitters in rat brain. After the exposure to ELF-MF (60 Hz, 2.0 mT) for 2 or 5 days, we measured the levels of biogenic amines and their metabolites, amino acid neurotransmitters and nitric oxide (NO) in the cortex, striatum, thalamus, cerebellum and hippocampus. The exposure of ELF-MF for 2 or 5 days produced significant differences in norepinephrine and vanillyl mandelic acid in the striatum, thalamus, cerebellum and hippocampus. Significant increases in the levels of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were also observed in the striatum, thalamus or hippocampus. ELF-MF significantly increased the concentration of dopamine in the thalamus. ELF-MF tended to increase the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters such as glutamine, glycine and γ -aminobutyric acid in the striatum and thalamus, whereas it decreased the levels in the cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. ELF-MF significantly increased NO concentration in the striatum, thalamus and hippocampus. The present study has demonstrated that exposure to ELF-MFs may evoke the changes in the levels of biogenic amines, amino acid and NO in the brain although the extent and property vary with the brain areas. However, the mechanisms remain further to be characterized.

Effects of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) on Histological Changes and Norepinephrine Levels in the Brains of Adult Male Rats

“…Hence, the increased level of norepinephrine indicates a possibility of increased DBH activity. The exposure to 2.0mT also has been shown to increase norepinephrine production in rat brain hence supporting the findings in this study (Chung, et al, 2015).…”

“…Based on the study Rajendra et al (2004) and Chung et al (2015), EMF can result in changes of neurochemical or toxicology. Increased of norepinephrine level can be explained by the study of Rajendra et al (2004) in chick embryos, which stated that the mechanism of increase in the level of norepinephrine can be speculated based on the regulation of the enzyme dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH), which converts dopamine to norepinephrine.…”

“…However, the overall analysis of the study cannot clearly show the neurotoxic effects based on the level of study (Crasson, 2003, Wang andLai, 2000). Only slight changes can be observed in the biochemical activity and neurotransmitters (Chung et al, 2015.…”

Effects of Phenobarbital on Expression of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1a6 and 1a7 in Rat Brain

“…Therefore, Ugt1a6 and Ugt1a7 in the brain may play important roles in detoxification and homeostasis to protect the brain. In the present study, APAP glucuronidation was increased by PB in the dmd.aspetjournals.org medulla oblongata and thalamus, where serotonin, a Ugt1a6 substrate, was found (Iceman et al, 2013;Chung et al, 2015). Thus, the concentrations of UGT substrates, including serotonin, may change locally, thereby altering efficacy.…”

Low intensity magnetic field influences short‐term memory: A study in a group of healthy students

“…Biochemical changes supporting this assessment can be found in Lai and Carino []. It is accepted that MF exposure at 50–60Hz affects endogenous opioid systems, as well as other neurotransmitters [Shin et al, ; Chung et al, ]. The neurotransmitter dopamine and endogenous opioid systems (see Izquierdo []) have been implicated in complex cognitive functions such as WM and cognitive control.…”