Detection of 60-hertz vertical electric fields by rats

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.2250080309· OSTI ID:5619671

Sagan, P M; Stell, M E; Bryan, G K; Adey, W R

Rats were trained to press levers to indicate the presence or absence of 60-Hz vertical electric fields at intensities from 0 to 27 kV/m (rms). The probability of detecting the field increased as the strength of the field increased. The shape of the detection curve (psychometric function) for most subjects (Ss) was similar whether the discriminative stimulus was the electric field or a tone. Two protocols were used to estimate the minimum field intensity necessary to detect the field (Reiz Limen, RL). The RL was estimated to be 13.3 kV/m (rms) when using one protocol (the staircase method) and 7.9 kV/m (rms) when using another protocol (the method of constant stimuli).

• Research Organization: Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Loma Linda, CA
• OSTI ID: 5619671
• Journal Information: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 8:3; ISSN BLCTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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