Influence of static electric field on cognition in mice

Xu, Yaqian; Wu, Sixia; Di, Guoqing; Ling, Ping; Jiang, Jianhua; Bao, Hailong

doi:10.1080/21655979.2016.1197632

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…In order for electrostatic fields to be used as a repellent, it necessarily exposes the person using it to the fields. While there have been concerns about the potential harmful effects of high electric fields on humans, these appear to be inconclusive or miniscule [37,39,40]. The only small risk of static electric fields are micro-shocks, which only cause a minor nuisance and have no real adverse effects [37,41].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrostatic Fields Have Strong Repellency Effects AgainstCulex pipiens

Tam¹

2020

Preprint

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Currently, the most effective mosquito repellents employ the use of the chemical N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), often considered the gold standard of repellents. However, as DEET continues to be widely used, it is beginning to lose efficacy as mosquitoes gradually gain resistance to it. Additionally, DEET only protects the skin that it is applied on, and therefore, it is difficult to achieve 100% repellency for the entire body. As urbanization and climate change continue to increase the threat of widespread mosquito-borne illnesses, new forms of repellents must be developed to combat the possibility of an epidemic. Previous studies indicate that a multitude of insects, including spiders, flies, and mosquitoes, avoid electrostatic fields at sufficiently high voltages. In this study, I evaluate if electrostatic fields can be used as a potential personal repellent against mosquitoes and an alternative to chemical sprays. I found that by charging the surface of a person’s body with a high voltage (9800V) but minuscule current, I created a safe and effective method that repels mosquitoes from landing on the skin. This method has similar efficacy to DEET, with near 100% repellency after 20 minutes of charging. It also has the advantage of not needing to be reapplied and provides full-body protection, allowing greater protection to the user than DEET. These results introduce a promising method of repelling mosquitoes, that used together with present-day chemical repellents, can help provide greater protection to malaria-endemic countries.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrostatic Fields Have Strong Repellency Effects AgainstCulex pipiens

Tam¹

2020

Preprint

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“…Four of these studies examined various neurotransmitter concentrations in the brains of rodents, but the results were inconsistent [ 38 , 40 , 56 , 57 ]. Möse et al [ 56 ] reported significantly reduced serotonin levels in the brain of guinea pigs that had been exposed to a static EF (23.8 kV/m for 6 days).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bailey and Charry [ 38 ] and Charry and Bailey [ 40 ] reported that norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin concentrations were not affected in rats’ brains after the animals were exposed to a static EF (3 kV/m for 2,18 or 66 h). Xu et al [ 57 ] tested spatial learning and memory abilities of mice previously exposed to a static EF (between 2.3 and 21.85 kV/m for 35 days) beneath a HVDC line in the ambient environment. They did not find changes in glutamate and GABA levels which have been associated with learning and memory abilities in some other studies.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the results regarding these parameters were not always consistent and partially contradictory. Some studies could not confirm static EF influences on metabolic functions [ 52 ], histological appearance of diverse organ systems [ 43 , 50 , 69 ], neurotransmitter concentrations in the brain [ 38 , 40 , 57 ], functions of the immune system [ 73 ] or reproductive and developmental parameters [ 44 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…)static EF of 23.8 kV/m for 6 daysorgan parameters and brain/nervous System:serotonin concentration in uterus of rats, brain and ileum of guinea pigsreduced serotonin levels in brain and uterus, increased serotonin levels in ileumnot clear if peer-reviewed; contradictory statements if brain was taken from rats or guinea pigsMöse et al [68](article in German)rat (uterus) and guinea pig (intestine) ( n = ? )static EF of 23.8 kV/m for 3–21 daysorgan parameters:ability of isolated smooth muscles (intestine and uterus) to react to stimulating drugssmooth muscles reacted less to stimulating drugsnot clear if peer-reviewedMöse et al [60](article in German)male NMRI mice ( n = 25 per group, 3 groups: static EF, control group under ambient conditions, control group in Faraday cage)static EF of 23.8 kV/m for 8 daysorgan parameters:oxygen consumption of isolated liver piecesincreased oxygen consumption under static EF exposure and decreased consumption under Faraday conditions in comparison to control groupnot clear if peer-reviewedMöse et al [72] (article in German)NMRI-Hahn mice ( n = 10–15 per EF strength and condition)static EF of 0.04, 0.2, 1, 5 and 24 kV/m for 15 days; in addition to control group under laboratory conditions also control in Faraday cage; mice were immunized with sheep erythrocytes at day 7 and 11 of exposurehematology/immunology:immunization level (plaque formation on spleens, spleen weight, number of spleen cells, haemagglutination titers)immunization level increased under static EF exposure compared to a shielded environment in a Faraday cagenot clear if peer-reviewedOkudan et al [61]male and female Wistar rats (progenies of 3 dams, already exposed during pregnancy); ( n = 10 for static EF, n = 7 for control)static EF of 10 kV/m for 28 days (14 days in utero and 14 days postnatal)organ parameters:bone mineral density; bone mineral contentdecrease in bone mineral content and bone mineral densityalso studied AC EFSahakyan et al [77]female rats ( n = 120; divided into 2 groups)static EF of 200 kV/m for 6 h/day for 6 dayshematology/immunology:lipid-protein interactions in rat erythrocyte membranesredistribution of membrane surface charge, conformational alterations of membrane integral proteins, increase of the immersion degree of the peripheral proteinsincomplete reference listXu et al [57]male ICR mice ( n = 90, divided into 2 experimental groups and 1 control group of 30 animals each)static EF of 2.3–15.4 kV/m (experimental group 1) and 9.2–21.85 kV/m (experimental group 2) from a HVDC line for 35 days except for raining and low temperature daysbrain/nervous System:cognition: learning, memory; glutamate and GABA concentrations in the brainimpaired memory abilities …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biological effects of exposure to static electric fields in humans and vertebrates: a systematic review

et al. 2017

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BackgroundHigh-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines are the technology of choice for the transport of large amounts of energy over long distances. The operation of these lines produces static electric fields (EF), but the data reviewed in previous assessments were not sufficient to assess the need for any environmental limit. The aim of this systematic review was to update the current state of research and to evaluate biological effects of static EF.MethodsUsing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) recommendations, we collected and evaluated experimental and epidemiological studies examining biological effects of exposure to static EF in humans (n = 8) and vertebrates (n = 40).ResultsThere is good evidence that humans and animals are able to perceive the presence of static EF at sufficiently high levels. Hair movements caused by electrostatic forces may play a major role in this perception. A large number of studies reported responses of animals (e.g., altered metabolic, immunologic or developmental parameters) to a broad range of static EF strengths as well, but these responses are likely secondary physiological responses to sensory stimulation. Furthermore, the quality of many of the studies reporting physiological responses is poor, which raises concerns about confounding. ConclusionThe weight of the evidence from the literature reviewed did not indicate that static EF have adverse biological effects in humans or animals. The evidence strongly supported the role of superficial sensory stimulation of hair and skin as the basis for perception of the field, as well as reported indirect behavioral and physiological responses. Physical considerations also preclude any direct effect of static EF on internal physiology, and reports that some physiological processes are affected in minor ways may be explained by other factors. While this literature does not support a level of concern about biological effects of exposure to static EF, the conditions that affect thresholds for human detection and possible annoyance at suprathreshold levels should be investigated.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12940-017-0248-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Duration-dependent effect of exposure to static electric field on learning and memory ability in mice

2018

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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With the rapid development of ultra-high-voltage direct-current (UHVDC) transmission, the strength of environmental static electric field (SEF) around UHVDC transmission lines increased substantially, which has aroused widely public attention on the potential health effects of SEF. In this study, the effect of SEF exposure on learning and memory ability was investigated. Institute of Cancer Research mice were exposed to 56.3 kV/m SEF for a short term (7 days) or long term (49 days). Behaviors in the Morris water maze (MWM) test, hippocampal neurotransmitter contents, and oxidative stress indicators were examined. Results showed that short-term SEF exposure significantly prolonged escape latency and decreased the number of platform-site crossovers, as well as decreased the time spent in the target quadrant in the MWM test. Meanwhile, serotonin level and the ratio of glutamate level to γ-aminobutyric acid level changed significantly. Besides, malondialdehyde content and glutathione peroxidase activity increased significantly, while superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly. After long-term SEF exposure, all indices above showed no significant differences between the SEF and sham exposure groups. These data indicated that short-term exposure to 56.3 kV/m SEF could cause abnormal neurotransmitter levels and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, which led to the decline in learning and memory ability. Under the condition of long-term exposure, the SEF-induced disturbances in neurotransmitter contents and redox balance were offset by the compensatory responses of mice, and thus, the learning and memory ability returned to normal level. The temporary and reversible decline in learning and memory ability was only a common biological effect of SEF rather than a health hazard.

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Influence of static electric field on cognition in mice

Cited by 7 publications

References 8 publications

Electrostatic Fields Have Strong Repellency Effects AgainstCulex pipiens

Electrostatic Fields Have Strong Repellency Effects AgainstCulex pipiens

Biological effects of exposure to static electric fields in humans and vertebrates: a systematic review

Duration-dependent effect of exposure to static electric field on learning and memory ability in mice

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