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[Effects of infrasound on visual electrophysiology in mice]
Li Shi1, Zuo-ming Zhang, Jing-zao Chen
1Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Objective:
To investigate the possible effects of infrasound on visual functions.
Method:
One hundred and fifty mature male Kunming-mice were divided into 5 groups, in which one was control and the other four were exposed to infrasound of 8 Hz, 90 dB; 8 Hz, 130 dB; 16 Hz, 90 dB and 16 Hz, 130 dB 2 h/d respectively. The exposure time for them were 0, 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 d respectively, each group was divided into 6 sub-groups. Electroretinogram (ERG), oscillatory potentials (OPs), and visual evoked potential (VEP) were recorded after exposure.
Result:
The visual electrophysiological indices after 8 Hz, 90 dB and 16 Hz, 90 dB exposures were similar except for a little difference at some temporal points (P<0.05). Most of the indices in 8 Hz, 130 dB group changed after 7 d exposure, and the longer the exposure, the more obvious changes were observed (P<0.01). The indices in 16 Hz, 130 dB group changed obviously after 1 d and reversed with increase of exposure time (P<0.01).
Conclusion:
The effect of infrasound on visual functions are related to its frequency and intensity. Infrasound of different frequencies causes different levels of retinal resonance, which leads to different degrees of cellular lesion and produces different electrical potentials.
Insights
Infrasound exposure affects visual functions, with effects varying by frequency and intensity. High-intensity infrasound can cause significant changes in visual electrophysiology, impacting retinal function.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Sensory neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Context:
- Infrasound, defined as sound waves with frequencies below 20 Hz, is increasingly prevalent in industrial and natural environments.
- The potential health impacts of chronic infrasound exposure remain incompletely understood.
- Visual functions are complex and may be susceptible to subtle environmental stressors.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of varying infrasound frequencies (8 Hz and 16 Hz) and intensities (90 dB and 130 dB) on visual functions in a rodent model.
- To assess changes in electroretinogram (ERG), oscillatory potentials (OPs), and visual evoked potential (VEP) following controlled infrasound exposure.
- To establish a dose-response relationship between infrasound parameters and visual electrophysiological alterations.
Summary:
- Kunming mice exposed to infrasound exhibited changes in visual electrophysiological indices.
- Lower intensity infrasound (90 dB) showed minimal impact, while high intensity (130 dB) at 8 Hz and 16 Hz caused significant alterations.
- Exposure duration correlated with the severity of changes, particularly at 130 dB, with some effects reversing over time at 16 Hz.
Impact:
- Findings suggest infrasound's frequency and intensity are critical determinants of its effect on visual systems.
- The study highlights the potential for infrasound to induce retinal resonance and cellular damage.
- Results contribute to understanding the ototoxic and neurotoxic potential of low-frequency sound exposure.