Temporal patterns of extremely low frequency magnetic field-induced motor behavior changes in Mongolian gerbils of different age.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on different behavior parameters (locomotion, stereotypy, and immobility) in 3- and 10-month-old male Mongolian gerbils.


METHODS
The animals were continuously exposed to ELF-MF (50 Hz; 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mT) for seven days. Their behavior was monitored for 60 min in the open field after the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th day of exposure (immediate effect), and three days after ELF-MF exposure had been ceased (delayed effect).


RESULTS
In 3-month-old gerbils, exposure to ELF-MF (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mT) increased motor behavior (locomotion and stereotypy), and consequently decreased immobility. Additionally, ELF-MF had delayed effect (except 0.25 mT) on stereotypy and immobility. In 10-month-old gerbils, ELF-MF of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mT induced decrease, slight increase, and pronounced stimulation of motor behavior, respectively. Regardless of magnetic induction value, increased motor behavior was observed three days after ELF-MF exposure has been ceased (delayed effect).


CONCLUSIONS
It can be proposed that the specific temporal patterns of ELF-MF-induced motor behavior changes in 3- and 10-month-old gerbils are a consequence of age-dependent morpho-functional differences in the brain structures responsible for a control of motor behavior.
Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. janac@ibiss.bg.ac.rs
Branka
B
Janać
Vesna
V
Selaković
Snežana
S
Rauš
Lidija
L
Radenović
Mila
M
Zrnić
Zlatko
Z
Prolić
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D005849:Gerbillinae; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology; D060526:Magnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors