Article

Chronic exposure to 60-Hz electric fields: Effects on pineal function in the rat

  1. Bary W. Wilson1,*,
  2. Larry E. Anderson2,
  3. D. Ian Hilton2,
  4. Richard D. Phillips2

Article first published online: 19 OCT 2005

DOI: 10.1002/bem.2250020408

Issue

Bioelectromagnetics

Bioelectromagnetics

Volume 2, Issue 4, pages 371–380, 1981

Additional Information

How to Cite

Wilson, B. W., Anderson, L. E., Ian Hilton, D. and Phillips, R. D. (1981), Chronic exposure to 60-Hz electric fields: Effects on pineal function in the rat. Bioelectromagnetics, 2: 371–380. doi: 10.1002/bem.2250020408

Author Information

  1. 1

    Physical Sciences Department, Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington

  2. 2

    Biology Department, Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington

*Physical Sciences Department, Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, WA 99352

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 19 OCT 2005
  2. Article first published online: 19 OCT 2005
  3. Manuscript Revised: 31 AUG 1981
  4. Manuscript Received: 1 APR 1981

Funded by

  • U.S. Department of Energy. Grant Number: DE/AC06-76RL0 1830

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

Get PDF (568K)

Keywords:

  • electric fields;
  • 60 Hz;
  • pineal gland;
  • circadian rhythm;
  • melatonin;
  • 5 methoxytryptophol;
  • acetyl transferase

Abstract

As a component of studies to search for effects of 60-Hz electric field exposure on mammalian endocrine function, concentrations of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptophol, and serotonin-Nacetyl transferase activity were measured in the pineal glands of rats exposed or sham-exposed at 65 kV/m for 30 days. In two replicate experiments there were statistically significant differences between exposed and control rats in that the normal nocturnal increase in pineal melatonin content was depressed in the exposed animals. Concentrations of 5-methoxytryptophol were increased in the pineal glands of the exposed groups when compared to shamexposed controls. An alteration was also observed in serotonin-N-acetyl transferase activity, with lower levels measured in pineal glands from exposed animals.

Get PDF (568K)