Effect of enhanced geomagnetic activity on hypothermia and mortality in rats.
The hypothesis was investigated that variability in the severity of limbic seizure-induced hypothermia in rats was affected by ambient geomagnetic activity. Data were obtained in support of this hypothesis. The depth of the hypothermia was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced if the ambient geomagnetic activity exceeded 35 nT to 40 nT. Mortality during the subsequent 5 days was increased when the geomagnetic activity was > 20 nT. The magnitude of the effect was comparable to the difference between exposure to light or to darkness during the 20 h after the induction of limbic seizures.
Bureau
Y R
YR
Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Persinger
M A
MA
Parker
G H
GH
D000818:Animals; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008032:Limbic System / Q000503:physiopathology; D008280:Magnetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D051381:Rats; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications