Effects of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Neurogenesis and Cognitive Behavior in an Experimental Model of Hippocampal Injury.
Sakhaie MH, Soleimani M, Pourheydar B, Majd Z, Atefimanesh P, Asl SS, Mehdizadeh M. · 2017
View Original AbstractELF-EMF exposure enhanced brain cell growth and memory in injured mice, suggesting potential therapeutic applications distinct from everyday EMF exposure.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed mice with brain injury to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) and found the exposure enhanced spatial memory and learning abilities. The EMF exposure also increased the production of new brain cells (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus, the brain region crucial for memory formation. This suggests ELF-EMF might have therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative conditions by promoting brain cell regeneration.
Why This Matters
This study presents an intriguing paradox in EMF research: while most studies focus on potential harm from electromagnetic field exposure, this research suggests certain EMF frequencies might actually promote brain healing. The researchers found that ELF-EMF exposure enhanced neurogenesis and improved cognitive function in mice with chemically-induced brain damage. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that it challenges the prevailing narrative that all EMF exposure is inherently harmful. However, we must be cautious about extrapolating these results. The study used controlled laboratory conditions with specific frequencies and exposure protocols that likely differ significantly from the chaotic mix of EMF frequencies we encounter daily from power lines, appliances, and wireless devices. The reality is that our everyday EMF environment is far more complex and potentially problematic than the targeted therapeutic exposure used in this research.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
In this study, we evaluated the effects of ELF-EMF on neurogenesis and memory, following treatment with trimethyltin chloride (TMT) as a neurotoxicant.
The mice in all groups (n=56) were injected with BrdU during the experiment for seven consecutive da...
Based on the findings, exposure to ELF-EMF enhanced spatial learning and memory in the MWM test. ELF...
These findings suggest that ELF-EMF might have clinical implications for the improvement of neurodegenerative processes and could help develop a novel therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine.
Show BibTeX
@article{mh_2017_effects_of_extremely_lowfrequency_1771,
author = {Sakhaie MH and Soleimani M and Pourheydar B and Majd Z and Atefimanesh P and Asl SS and Mehdizadeh M.},
title = {Effects of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Neurogenesis and Cognitive Behavior in an Experimental Model of Hippocampal Injury.},
year = {2017},
url = {https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bn/2017/9194261/},
}