Anxiety-like behavioural effects of ELF EMF in rats

Abstract

Anxiety-like behavioural effects of ELF EMF in rats Djordjevic NZ, Paunović MG, Peulić AS.Anxiety-like behavioural effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field in rats. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2017 Jul 29. doi: 10.1007/s11356-017-9710-1. Abstract In recent years, extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) has received considerable attention for its potential biological effects. Numerous studies have shown the role of ELF-EMF in behaviour modulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term ELF-EMF (50 Hz) in the development of anxiety- like behaviour in rats through change hypothalamic oxidative stress and NO. Ten adult male rats (Wistar albino) were divided in two groups: control group-without exposure to ELF-EMF and experimental group-exposed to ELF-EMF during 7 days. After the exposure, time open field test and elevated plus maze were used to evaluate the anxiety-like behaviour of rats. Upon completion of the behavioural tests, concentrations of superoxide anion (O2·-), nitrite (NO2-, as an indicator of NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) were determined in the hypothalamus of the animals. Obtained results show that ELF-EMF both induces anxiety-like behaviour and increases concentrations of O2·- and NO, whereas it did not effect on ONOO- concentration in hypothalamus of rats. In conclusion, the development of anxiety-like behaviour is mediated by oxidative stress and increased NO concentration in hypothalamus of rats exposed to ELF-EMF during 7 days. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Rats exposed to 50 Hz ELF-EMF for 7 days showed anxiety-like behaviour and increased hypothalamic concentrations of superoxide anion (O2·-) and nitrite (NO2-, indicator of NO), while peroxynitrite (ONOO-) concentration was not affected.

Outcomes measured

• Anxiety-like behaviour (open field test, elevated plus maze)
• Hypothalamic superoxide anion (O2·-)
• Hypothalamic nitrite (NO2-; indicator of NO)
• Hypothalamic peroxynitrite (ONOO-)

Limitations

• Small sample size (n=10)
• Animal study (rats), limiting direct generalizability to humans
• Short-term exposure only (7 days)

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.2)
  Study involves ELF (50 Hz) exposure, which can be relevant to occupational ELF contexts, though no specific source is stated.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 0.05000000000000000277555756156289135105907917022705078125,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "7 days (short-term)"
    },
    "population": "Adult male Wistar albino rats",
    "sample_size": 10,
    "outcomes": [
        "Anxiety-like behaviour (open field test, elevated plus maze)",
        "Hypothalamic superoxide anion (O2·-)",
        "Hypothalamic nitrite (NO2-; indicator of NO)",
        "Hypothalamic peroxynitrite (ONOO-)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Rats exposed to 50 Hz ELF-EMF for 7 days showed anxiety-like behaviour and increased hypothalamic concentrations of superoxide anion (O2·-) and nitrite (NO2-, indicator of NO), while peroxynitrite (ONOO-) concentration was not affected.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Small sample size (n=10)",
        "Animal study (rats), limiting direct generalizability to humans",
        "Short-term exposure only (7 days)"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "ELF-EMF",
        "extremely low frequency",
        "50 Hz",
        "rats",
        "anxiety-like behaviour",
        "open field test",
        "elevated plus maze",
        "hypothalamus",
        "oxidative stress",
        "nitric oxide",
        "superoxide anion",
        "nitrite",
        "peroxynitrite"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.200000000000000011102230246251565404236316680908203125,
            "reason": "Study involves ELF (50 Hz) exposure, which can be relevant to occupational ELF contexts, though no specific source is stated."
        }
    ]
}

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