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

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 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
• DOE Contract Number: ACO6-76RLO 1830
• OSTI ID: 5334796
• Journal Information: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States), Vol. 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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