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Non-linearity in combined effects of ELF magnetic field and amphetamine on motor activity in rats
Vesna Pesić1, Branka Janać, Ankica Jelenković
1Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Behaviour, Department of Neurobiology and Immunology, Institute for Biological Research, 29 Novembra 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, Yugoslavia.
Abstract:
The effects of short-term (15 min) pre-exposure of rats to extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF, 50 Hz, 6 mT) on their motor (locomotor and stereotypic) activity induced by d-amphetamine sulphate (AMPH) at different doses (0.5, 1.5 and 4.5mg/kg, i.p.) were studied in the open field test. In saline-treated rats both parameters of motor activity were unaffected by ELF-MF irradiation. The rats pre-exposed to ELF-MF and injected with the lowest dose of AMPH showed the same locomotor activity as control animals, while their stereotypic behaviour was significantly elevated. ELF-MF in combination with AMPH at higher doses significantly enhanced motor activity when compared with values obtained in both control and combined experiments with the lowest dose of the drug. However, only combined locomotor effect at the middle dose of AMPH was significantly greater than those observed in corresponding experiments with AMPH alone. These results demonstrate that acute short-term exposure to ELF-MF is able to modify a motor activity in dependence on the extent of AMPH-induced neurotransmitter imbalance.
Insights
Extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure altered rat motor activity, particularly stereotypic behavior, when combined with d-amphetamine sulphate (AMPH). Higher AMPH doses amplified these ELF-MF effects, indicating a link to neurotransmitter imbalance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) are ubiquitous environmental factors.
- The impact of ELF-MF on neurobehavioral responses, especially in conjunction with psychostimulants, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of short-term ELF-MF pre-exposure on d-amphetamine sulphate (AMPH)-induced motor activity in rats.
- To determine if ELF-MF modifies locomotor and stereotypic behaviors at varying AMPH doses.
Main Methods:
- Rats were pre-exposed to ELF-MF (50 Hz, 6 mT) for 15 minutes.
- Motor activity was assessed using the open field test after AMPH (0.5, 1.5, 4.5 mg/kg) or saline injection.
- Locomotor and stereotypic behaviors were quantified.
Main Results:
- ELF-MF alone did not affect motor activity in saline-treated rats.
- At the lowest AMPH dose, ELF-MF pre-exposure maintained locomotor activity but significantly increased stereotypic behavior.
- Higher AMPH doses combined with ELF-MF significantly enhanced overall motor activity compared to controls and the lowest dose group.
Conclusions:
- Acute, short-term ELF-MF exposure can modulate AMPH-induced motor activity in rats.
- The observed modifications are dependent on the dose of AMPH, suggesting an interaction with AMPH-induced neurotransmitter alterations.
- ELF-MF may influence neurochemical pathways affected by amphetamine.
