Extremely low frequency magnetic field induces hyperalgesia in mice modulated by nitric oxide synthesis
Jeong JH, Kum C, Choi HJ, Park ES, Sohn UD. · 2006
View Original Abstract60 Hz magnetic fields from household electricity can increase pain sensitivity by altering brain chemistry.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed mice to 60 Hz magnetic fields from household electricity and found it increased their pain sensitivity. The magnetic fields triggered nitric oxide production in the brain and spinal cord, lowering pain thresholds. This suggests common electrical frequencies may directly affect pain processing.
Why This Matters
This study provides compelling evidence that power frequency magnetic fields can directly alter pain perception through measurable biochemical changes in the nervous system. The 60 Hz frequency tested is identical to the electrical current powering your home, making this research particularly relevant to everyday EMF exposure. What makes this research especially significant is that it identifies a specific biological mechanism - the calcium-dependent activation of nitric oxide synthesis - that explains how EMF exposure translates into measurable physiological effects. The finding that magnetic field exposure can lower pain thresholds adds another dimension to our understanding of EMF bioeffects beyond the commonly studied areas of cancer and reproductive health. For people experiencing unexplained pain sensitivity, this research suggests that EMF exposure from household electrical systems could be a contributing factor worth considering.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 60 Hz
Study Details
We investigated an effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF, 60 Hz) on hyperalgesia using hot plate test.
The level of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were measured to de...
The exposure of mice to ELF-MF lowered pain threshold and elevated NO synthesis in brain and spinal ...
These results indicated that the exposure of ELF-MF might cause Ca2+-dependent NOS activation, which then induces hyperalgesia with the increase in NO synthesis. In conclusion, ELF-MF may produce hyperalgesia by modulating NO synthesis via Ca2+-dependent NOS.
Show BibTeX
@article{jh_2006_extremely_low_frequency_magnetic_1589,
author = {Jeong JH and Kum C and Choi HJ and Park ES and Sohn UD.},
title = {Extremely low frequency magnetic field induces hyperalgesia in mice modulated by nitric oxide synthesis},
year = {2006},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320505009112},
}