Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field on the antioxidant defense system in mouse brain: a chemiluminescence study.
Lee BC, Johng HM, Lim JK, Jeong JH, Baik KY, Nam TJ, Lee JH, Kim J, Sohn UD, Yoon G, Shin S, Soh KS. · 2004
View Original AbstractThis study shows 60 Hz magnetic fields trigger brain oxidative stress at 12 gauss, suggesting cellular defense activation.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed mice to 60 Hz magnetic fields (household electricity frequency) for 3 hours and found increased oxidative stress and elevated protective enzyme activity in brain tissue. This suggests the brain was working harder to defend against cellular damage from power-frequency magnetic field exposure.
Why This Matters
This study adds to mounting evidence that extremely low frequency magnetic fields - the type generated by power lines, household wiring, and electrical appliances - can trigger oxidative stress in brain tissue. The 12 gauss exposure level used here is higher than typical household levels (usually 1-4 milligauss), but still within ranges found near some electrical equipment and power lines. What's particularly significant is that the brain's antioxidant system responded defensively, increasing production of protective enzymes like superoxide dismutase. This suggests the brain recognized the EMF exposure as a stressor requiring active defense. The reality is that oxidative stress has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline, making these findings relevant for anyone with regular exposure to ELF magnetic fields in their daily environment.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 1.2 mG
- Source/Device
- 60 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 3 h
Exposure Context
This study used 1.2 mG for magnetic fields:
- 60Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 12Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
We investigated whether ELF (60 Hz) MF can modulate antioxidant system in mouse brain by detecting chemiluminescence and measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in homogenates of the organ.
Compared to sham exposed control group, lucigenin-initiated chemiluminescence in exposed group was n...
These results suggest that 60 Hz, MF could deteriorate antioxidant defensive system by reactive oxygen species (ROS), other than superoxide radicals. Further studies are needed to identify the kind of ROS generated by the exposure to 60 Hz, MF and elucidate how MF can affect biological system in connection with oxidative stress.
Show BibTeX
@article{bc_2004_effects_of_extremely_low_406,
author = {Lee BC and Johng HM and Lim JK and Jeong JH and Baik KY and Nam TJ and Lee JH and Kim J and Sohn UD and Yoon G and Shin S and Soh KS. },
title = {Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field on the antioxidant defense system in mouse brain: a chemiluminescence study.},
year = {2004},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134403001519},
}