[Does a 50-cycle alternating field cause central-nervous effects? (author's transl)].

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Electrophysiology
• Environmental Health

Context:

• Previous research suggested central nervous system (CNS) effects from alternating electrical fields.
• Observed effects included decreased nucleus temperature in rats and physiological changes in humans.

Purpose:

• To investigate the central-nervous effects of a 50-Hertz alternating electrical field at 5.300 V/m.
• To validate the hypothesis of a CNS point of attack for electrical energies.

Summary:

• Laboratory rats exposed to the electrical field showed an initial increase in brain norepinephrine levels after 15 minutes.
• After 10 days, norepinephrine levels significantly dropped below control levels and remained low throughout 21 days of exposure.
• Changes in norepinephrine metabolism indicate stimulation of central nervous structures.

Impact:

• Provides evidence for the central-nervous effects of specific electrical field parameters.
• Suggests that alterations in norepinephrine turnover are a key indicator of CNS response to electrical energy.
• Substantiates the hypothesis that electrical fields can directly impact the central nervous system.