The effect of continuous ELF-MFs on the level of 5-HIAA in the raphe nucleus of the rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous extremely low frequency magnetic fields (elf-mfs) with a frequency of 10 hz and an intensity of 690-720 μt on the level of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-hiaa) in adult male wistar rats. a total of 24 adult wistar male rats were used,and after exposure with an elf-mf for 15 successive days,all rats in each test were anesthetized with chloral hydrate. then,they were placed in a stereotaxic frame for surgery and a microdialysis process. dialysate samples were analyzed to measure the amount of 5-hiaa by high performance liquid chromatography (hplc) using electrochemical detection. results showed that elf-mf exposure for 15 days,1 h daily,was not effective in altering the level of 5-hiaa. however,elf-mf exposure for 15 days,3 h daily,decreased the level of the 5-hiaa in the raphe nucleus. it can be concluded that elf-mfs affect the serotonergic system and may be used to treat nervous system diseases. this study is an initial step towards helping cure depression using elf-mfs. © 2016 the author 2016. published by oxford university press on behalf of the japan radiation research society and japanese society for radiation oncology.