Biological effects of high DC magnetic fields
The principal focus of the program is the analysis of magnetic field effects on physiological functions in experimental animals and selected organ and tissue systems. A major research effort has involved the use of electrical recording techniques to detect functional alterations in the cardiovascular, neural, and visual systems during the application of DC magnetic fields. These systems involve ionic conduction processes, and are therefore potentially sensitive to electrodynamic interactions with an applied magnetic field. In the specific case of the visual system, magnetic interactions could also arise through orientational effects on the magnetically anisotropic photopigment molecules within retinal photoreceptor cells. In addition to studies with potentially sensitive target tissues, an evaluation is being made of magnetic field effects on a broad range of other physiological functions in laboratory mammals, including the measurement of circadian rhythms using noninvasive recording techniques. Results of investigations of magnetic field effects on the conformation of DNA, and on the growth and development of plants and insects are also reported. Figures and tables provide a brief summary of some representative observations in each of the research areas described. No significant alterations were observed in any of the physiological parameters examined to date, with the exception of major changes that occur in the electrocardiogram during magnetic field exposure. Studies with several species of animals have provided evidence that this phenomenon is attributable to electrical potentials that are induced during pulsatile blood flow in the aorta and in other major vessels of the circulatory system.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6149832
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-12954; ON: DE81028904
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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MAGNETIC FIELDS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
DAILY VARIATIONS
DIRECT CURRENT
ELECTRODYNAMICS
EYES
INTERACTIONS
LABORATORY ANIMALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
RETINA
TISSUES
BODY
BODY AREAS
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
FACE
HEAD
ORGANS
SENSE ORGANS
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