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Published on: February 10, 2023
Effects of the Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on NMDA-Receptor Gene Expression and Visual Working
Masoomeh Kazemi1, Hedayat Sahraei1, Hamed Aliyari2
1Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Introduction:
The present research aimed to examine Visual Working Memory (VWM) test scores, as well as hormonal, genomic, and brain anatomic changes in the male rhesus macaques exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF).
Methods:
Four monkeys were exposed to two different ELF-MF frequencies: 1 Hz (control) and 12 Hz (experiment) with 0.7 μT (magnitude) 4 h/d for 30 consecutive days. Before and after the exposure, VWM test was conducted using a coated devise on a movable stand. About 10 mL of the animals' blood was obtained from their femoral vain and used to evaluate their melatonin concentration. Blood lymphocytes were used for assaying the expressions of N-Methyl-D-aspartate NMDA-receptor genes expression before and after ELF exposure. Anatomical changes of hippocampus size were also assessed using MRI images.
Results:
Results indicated that VWM scores in primates exposed to 12 Hz frequency ELF increased significantly. Plasma melatonin level was also increased in these animals. However, these variables did not change in the animals exposed to 1 Hz ELF. At last, expression of the NMDA receptors increased at exposure to 12 Hz frequency. However, hippocampal volume did not increase significantly in the animals exposed to both frequencies.
Conclusion:
In short, these results indicate that ELF (12 Hz) may have a beneficial value for memory enhancement (indicated by the increase in VWM scores). This may be due to an increase in plasma melatonin and or expression of NMDA glutamate receptors. However, direct involvement of the hippocampus in this process needs more research.
Insights
Exposure to 12 Hz Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF) significantly improved Visual Working Memory (VWM) scores in male rhesus macaques. This enhancement may be linked to increased melatonin and NMDA receptor expression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
- Genomics
Background:
- Investigating the effects of Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF) exposure on cognitive function and biological markers.
- Assessing potential changes in Visual Working Memory (VWM), hormonal levels, gene expression, and brain anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of 12 Hz ELF-MF on VWM, melatonin levels, NMDA receptor gene expression, and hippocampus size in male rhesus macaques.
- To compare these effects against a control group exposed to 1 Hz ELF-MF.
Main Methods:
- Male rhesus macaques were exposed to 1 Hz (control) and 12 Hz (experimental) ELF-MF (0.7 μT, 4 h/d for 30 days).
- VWM tests, plasma melatonin assays, NMDA receptor gene expression analysis, and MRI scans for hippocampus volume were performed before and after exposure.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in VWM scores and plasma melatonin levels was observed in the 12 Hz ELF-MF exposed group.
- NMDA receptor gene expression also increased in the 12 Hz group, while the 1 Hz group showed no significant changes in these parameters.
- No significant increase in hippocampal volume was detected in either exposure group.
Conclusions:
- 12 Hz ELF-MF exposure may enhance memory, as indicated by improved VWM scores in rhesus macaques.
- Potential mechanisms include increased plasma melatonin and upregulated NMDA receptor expression.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the direct role of the hippocampus in ELF-MF-induced memory enhancement.
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