The effect of continuous ELF-MFs on the level of 5-HIAA in the raphe nucleus of the rat.
Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Shiri L, Alaei H, Naghdi N. · 2016
View Original AbstractELF magnetic fields at 690-720 microTesla altered brain serotonin chemistry in rats after 3 hours daily exposure for 15 days.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rats to 10 Hz magnetic fields for 15 days to study brain chemistry effects. Three hours of daily exposure decreased serotonin breakdown products in the brain's mood-regulating region, while one hour had no effect. This suggests magnetic fields can alter brain chemistry linked to mood.
Why This Matters
This study adds to growing evidence that ELF magnetic fields can penetrate biological barriers and alter brain chemistry at the cellular level. The magnetic field strength used (690-720 microTesla) is significantly higher than typical household exposures from power lines or appliances, but within range of occupational exposures or therapeutic devices. What makes this research particularly noteworthy is its focus on the serotonin system, which governs mood, sleep, and numerous other vital functions. The dose-dependent response (no effect at 1 hour, significant effect at 3 hours) demonstrates that duration matters as much as intensity. While the researchers frame their findings optimistically as potential therapy for depression, the reality is more complex. Any technology powerful enough to alter brain neurotransmitter systems deserves careful consideration of both beneficial and harmful applications.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.69, 0.72 mG
- Source/Device
- 10 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 15 days, 1h, 3 h
Exposure Context
This study used 0.69, 0.72 mG for magnetic fields:
- 34.5Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 6.9Kx 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
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) with a frequency of 10 Hz and an intensity of 690–720 μT on the level of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) in adult male Wistar rats.
A total of 24 adult Wistar male rats were used, and after exposure with an ELF-MF for 15 successive ...
Results showed that ELF-MF exposure for 15 days, 1 h daily, was not effective in altering the level ...
It can be concluded that ELF-MFs affect the serotonergic system and may be used to treat nervous system diseases. This study is an initial step towards helping cure depression using ELF-MFs.
Show BibTeX
@article{d_2016_the_effect_of_continuous_712,
author = {Shahbazi-Gahrouei D and Shiri L and Alaei H and Naghdi N.},
title = {The effect of continuous ELF-MFs on the level of 5-HIAA in the raphe nucleus of the rat.},
year = {2016},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/jrr/article/57/2/127/2580451?login=true},
}