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Neuroendocrine parameters in the rat exposed to 60‐Hz electric fields
Author(s) -
Quinlan William J.,
Petrondas Demetrios,
Lebda Nancy,
Pettit Sue,
Michaelson Sol M.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.2250060405
Subject(s) - prolactin , electric field , corticosterone , stressor , hormone , endocrinology , medicine , physiology , biology , neuroscience , physics , quantum mechanics
This study was designed to assess the neuroendocrine response of male Long‐Evans rats to sustained or intermittent 60‐Hz electric fields when exposed for 1 or 3 h at 100 kV/m. No significant differences were noted in corticosterone, prolactin, or thyrotropin levels between exposed and sham‐exposed rats. A statistically significant increase (P < .01) in growth hormone was noted in rats exposed to intermittent electric fields for 3 h. Emphasis was placed on good experimental design and the need to avoid standard laboratory stressors (excessive handling, temperature extremes, transportation, noise, etc.) known to be present in many biomedical studies. The importance of avoiding reactions due to extraneous factors in experiments predicated on investigating physiological function in relation to electric field exposure is discussed.