Neuroendocrine mediated effects of electromagnetic-field exposure: Possible role of the pineal gland

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Life Sciences; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-3205(89)90018-0· OSTI ID:5021476

Wilson, W B; Stevens, R G; Anderson, L E ^[1]

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1. Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)

Reports from recent epidemiological studies have suggested a possible association between extremely low frequently (ELF; including 50- or 60-Hz) electric- and magnetic-field exposure, and increased risk of certain cancers, depression, and miscarriage. ELF field-induced pineal gland dysfunction is a possible etiological factor in these effects. Work in our laboratory and elsewhere has shown that ELF electromagnetic-field exposure can alter the normal circadian rhythm of melatonin synthesis and release in the pineal gland. Consequences of reduced or inappropriately timed melatonin release on the endocrine, neuronal, and immune systems are discussed. Laboratory data linking ELF field exposure to changes in pineal circadian rhythms in both animal and humans are reviewed. The authors suggest that the pineal gland, in addition to being a convenient locus for measuring dyschronogenic effects of ELF field exposure, may play a central role in biological response to these fields via alterations in the melatonin signal.

• OSTI ID: 5021476
• Journal Information: Life Sciences; (USA), Vol. 45:15; ISSN 0024-3205
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
MELATONIN
BIOSYNTHESIS
PINEAL GLAND
BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
ANIMALS
HZ RANGE
MAN
NEOPLASMS
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS
RISK ASSESSMENT
AMINES
AROMATICS
AZAARENES
AZOLES
BODY
DISEASES
FREQUENCY RANGE
FUNCTIONS
GLANDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
INDOLES
MAMMALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
PYRROLES
SYNTHESIS
TRYPTAMINES
VERTEBRATES
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects