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60‐Hz electric‐field effects on pineal melatonin rhythms: Time course for onset and recovery
Author(s) -
Wilson B. W.,
Chess E. K.,
Anderson L. E.
Publication year - 1986
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.2250070213
Subject(s) - melatonin , circadian rhythm , rhythm , pineal gland , light effects on circadian rhythm , medicine , endocrinology , serotonin , biology , suprachiasmatic nucleus , receptor
Abstract Rats exposed for 3 weeks to uniform 60‐Hz electric fields of 39 kV/m (effective field strength) failed to show normal pineal gland circadian rhythms in serotonin N‐acetyl transferase activity and melatonin concentrations. The time required for recovery of the melatonin rhythm after cessation of field exposure was determined to be less than 3 days. The rapid recovery suggests that the overall metabolic competence of the pineal is not permanently compromised by electric‐field exposure, and that the circadian rhythm effect may be neuronally mediated.