Effects of short term and long term Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field on depressive disorder in mice:
Alireza Madjid Ansari1, Shahrokh Farzampour2, Ali Sadr3
1Cancer Alternative and Complementary Medicine Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, ACECR, Iran.
Aims:
Previous reports on the possible effects of Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF MF) on mood have been paradoxical in different settings while no study has yet been conducted on animal behavior. In addition, it was shown that ELF MF exposure makes an increase in brain nitric oxide level. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to assess the possible effect(s) of ELF MF exposure on mice Forced Swimming Test (FST) and evaluate the probable role of the increased level of nitric oxide in the observed behavior.
Main Methods:
Male adult mice NMRI were recruited to investigate the short term and long term ELF MF exposure (0.5 mT and 50 Hz, single 2h and 2 weeks 2h a day). Locomotor behavior was assessed by using open-field test (OFT) followed by FST to evaluate the immobility time. Accordingly, NΩ-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester 30 mg/kg was used to exert anti-depressant like effect.
Key Findings:
According to the results, short term exposure did not alter the immobility time, whereas long term exposure significantly reduces immobility time (p<0.01). However, it was revealed that the locomotion did not differ among all experimental groups. Short term exposure reversed the anti-depressant like effect resulting from 30 mg/kg of NΩ-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (p<0.01).
Significance:
It has been concluded that long term exposure could alter the depressive disorder in mice, whereas short term exposure has no significant effect. Also, reversing the anti-depressant activity of L-NAME indicates a probable increase in the brain nitric oxide.
Insights
Long-term exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF MF) reduced immobility in mice, suggesting antidepressant effects. Short-term exposure reversed antidepressant effects, possibly due to increased brain nitric oxide levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Previous studies on Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF MF) and mood have yielded conflicting results.
- No prior research has investigated ELF MF effects on animal behavior.
- ELF MF exposure is known to increase nitric oxide levels in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of ELF MF exposure on mouse behavior, specifically using the Forced Swimming Test (FST).
- To explore the potential role of elevated nitric oxide in mediating observed behavioral changes.
- To investigate both short-term and long-term effects of ELF MF exposure.
Main Methods:
- Male NMRI mice were exposed to ELF MF (0.5 mT, 50 Hz) for short-term (single 2h) and long-term (2 weeks, 2h/day) durations.
- Locomotor activity was evaluated using the Open Field Test (OFT).
- Depressive-like behavior was assessed via the Forced Swimming Test (FST), with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) used to induce an antidepressant-like effect.
Main Results:
- Long-term ELF MF exposure significantly reduced immobility time in the FST (p<0.01), indicating an antidepressant-like effect.
- Short-term exposure did not alter immobility time but reversed the antidepressant-like effect of L-NAME (p<0.01).
- No significant differences in locomotor activity were observed across experimental groups.
Conclusions:
- Long-term ELF MF exposure may alter depressive disorders in mice.
- Short-term exposure shows no significant effect on depressive behavior but impacts antidepressant responses.
- The reversal of L-NAME's effect suggests a probable increase in brain nitric oxide following short-term ELF MF exposure.
