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

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5334796

Wilson, B W; Anderson, L E; Hilton, D I; Philips, R D

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-N-acetyl 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 sham-exposed controls. An alteration was also observed in serotonin-N-acetyl transferase activity, with lower levels measured in pineal glands from exposed animals.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA
• OSTI ID: 5334796
• Journal Information: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN BLCTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AMINES
AMINO ACIDS
ANIMALS
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS
AZOLES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MODELS
BODY
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
DAILY VARIATIONS
DRUGS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ENZYME ACTIVITY
GLANDS
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDOLES
MAMMALS
MELATONIN
METABOLISM
METABOLITES
NEUROREGULATORS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PINEAL GLAND
PYRROLES
RADIOPROTECTIVE SUBSTANCES
RATS
RODENTS
SEROTONIN
SYMPATHOMIMETICS
TRYPTAMINES
TRYPTOPHAN
VARIATIONS
VERTEBRATES