Anxiety-like behavioural effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field in rats.
Djordjevic NZ, Paunović MG, Peulić AS. · 2017
View Original AbstractSeven days of power-line frequency EMF exposure caused anxiety behaviors in rats through increased brain oxidative stress.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rats to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency as household electricity) for seven days and found it caused anxiety-like behaviors. The EMF exposure increased harmful oxidative stress compounds in the brain region that controls stress responses. This suggests that common power line frequencies may directly affect brain chemistry and emotional well-being.
Why This Matters
This study adds important evidence to our understanding of how extremely low frequency EMFs affect brain function and behavior. The 50 Hz frequency used is identical to the electrical current powering homes throughout Europe and much of the world (60 Hz in North America). What makes this research particularly significant is that it identifies a specific biological mechanism - oxidative stress in the hypothalamus - that could explain how EMF exposure translates into measurable behavioral changes. The hypothalamus regulates critical functions including stress response, sleep, and hormones. While this was a short-term study in animals, the findings align with growing evidence that EMF exposure can influence neurological function through oxidative stress pathways. The reality is that we're all exposed to these frequencies daily through our electrical infrastructure, making this research directly relevant to public health considerations.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 50 Hz Duration: 7 days
Study Details
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term ELF-EMF (50 Hz) in the development of anxiety-like behaviour in rats through change hypothalamic oxidative stress and NO
Ten adult male rats (Wistar albino) were divided in two groups: control group—without exposure to EL...
Obtained results show that ELF-EMF both induces anxiety-like behaviour and increases concentrations ...
In conclusion, the development of anxiety-like behaviour is mediated by oxidative stress and increased NO concentration in hypothalamus of rats exposed to ELF-EMF during 7 days.
Show BibTeX
@article{nz_2017_anxietylike_behavioural_effects_of_1740,
author = {Djordjevic NZ and Paunović MG and Peulić AS.},
title = {Anxiety-like behavioural effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field in rats.},
year = {2017},
doi = {10.1007/s11356-017-9710-1},
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-017-9710-1},
}