Biomol Ther.  2014 Nov;22(6):570-576. 10.4062/biomolther.2014.054.

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure on Stress-Related Behaviors and Stress Hormones in Male Wistar Rats

• Mahdavi SM
• Sahraei H
• Yaghmaei P
• Tavakoli H

• KMID: 2170601
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2014.054

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that electromagnetic waves, as the one of the most important physical factors, may alter cognitive and non-cognitive behaviors, depending on the frequency and energy. Moreover, non-ionizing radiation of low energy waves e.g. very low frequency waves could alter this phenomenon via alterations in neurotransmitters and neurohormones. In this study, short, medium, and long-term exposure to the extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) (1 and 5 Hz radiation) on behavioral, hormonal, and metabolic changes in male Wistar rats (250 g) were studied. In addition, changes in plasma concentrations for two main stress hormones, noradrenaline and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were evaluated. ELF-EMF exposure did not alter body weight, and food and water intake. Plasma glucose level was increased and decreased in the groups which exposed to the 5 and 1Hz wave, respectively. Plasma ACTH concentration increased in both using frequencies, whereas noradrenaline concentration showed overall reduction. At last, numbers of rearing, sniffing, locomotor activity was increased in group receiving 5 Hz wave over the time. In conclusions, these data showed that the effects of 1 and 5 Hz on the hormonal, metabolic and stress-like behaviors may be different. Moreover, the influence of waves on stress system is depending on time of exposure.

Keyword

Low-frequency electro-magnetic field; Corticosterone; Adrenaline; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH); Stress

MeSH Terms

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Blood Glucose
Body Weight
Corticosterone
Drinking
Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic Radiation*
Epinephrine
Humans
Male
Motor Activity
Neurotransmitter Agents
Norepinephrine
Plasma
Radiation, Nonionizing
Rats, Wistar*
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Corticosterone
Epinephrine
Neurotransmitter Agents
Norepinephrine