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The extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (50 Hz) can establish a new "set-point" for the activity of the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) system in rat

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Klimek A, Kletkiewicz H, Siejka A, Wyszkowska J, Maliszewska J, Klimiuk M, Milena Jankowska M, Rogalska J · 2024

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Rats exposed to 50 Hz ELF-EMF at 7 mT showed increased stress system activity, a profound decrease in β2-adrenergic receptor levels, and moderately increased anxiety-related behaviour.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to 50 Hz ELF-EMF at 1 and 7 mT for 1 hour per day over 7 days, repeated the procedure three times, and measured adrenaline, noradrenaline, MHPG, and β2-adrenergic receptor expression. After each exposure, some rats underwent a behavioural test to assess stress response to subsequent stress factors. ELF-EMF at 1 mT induced adaptive changes in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus system. Exposure to 7 mT increased stress system activity, causing sensitization to a different stress factor, profoundly decreased β2-adrenergic receptor levels, and moderately increased anxiety-related behaviour.

Why This Matters

The study aimed to determine how ELF-EMF affects the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system that enables adaptation to stressful conditions. The researchers stated that their research proved the LC-NA system is involved in the mechanisms underlying ELF-EMF effects on stress response. ELF-EMF is considered a stress factor whose effects on organisms are still being investigated. Exposure to ELF-EMF has been increasing in recent decades due to dynamic technological development.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Klimek A, Kletkiewicz H, Siejka A, Wyszkowska J, Maliszewska J, Klimiuk M, Milena Jankowska M, Rogalska J (2024). The extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (50 Hz) can establish a new "set-point" for the activity of the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) system in rat.
Show BibTeX
@article{klimek_a_kletkiewicz_h_siejka_a_wyszkowska_j_maliszewska_j_klimiuk_m_milena_jankowska_m_rogalska_j_ce4442,
  author = {Klimek A and Kletkiewicz H and Siejka A and Wyszkowska J and Maliszewska J and Klimiuk M and Milena Jankowska M and Rogalska J},
  title = {The extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (50 Hz) can establish a new "set-point" for the activity of the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) system in rat},
  year = {2024},
  doi = {10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111111},
  
}
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111111PubMed: 39486464

Quick Questions About This Study

Rats were exposed to 50 Hz ELF-EMF at 1 and 7 mT for 1 hour per day over 7 days, and the procedure was repeated three times.
ELF-EMF at 1 mT induced adaptive changes in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus system.
Exposure to 7 mT increased stress system activity, caused sensitization to a different stress factor, profoundly decreased β2-adrenergic receptor levels, and moderately increased anxiety-related behaviour.
The study measured concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline, its metabolite MHPG, and expression of the β2-adrenergic receptor.
Disturbances in noradrenergic locus coeruleus transmission may underlie some neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, indicating possible involvement of ELF-EMF in their pathogenesis.