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研究目的（著者による）
The effects of exposure of rat pineal glands to a 50 Hz magnetic field on the enzyme activity of N-acetyltransferase should be investigated.
詳細情報
The background of the study was the question whether the pineal gland can be influenced directly by ELF MFor rather indirectly, e.g., via the retina. N-acetyltransferanse is necessary for the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. A total of 48 rats were sacrificed under a dim red light 6 h after the beginning of the dark period, which corresponds to the expected peak time of N-acetyltransferase enzyme activity. Their pineal glands were removed and transfered into test tubes. Afterwards the pineal glands were assigned to the following groups: exposure to a magnetic flux density of 1) 10 µT, 2) 100 µT 3) 1,000 µT or 4) sham exposure. Each of these groups contained 6 glands and further 6 glands were used as a separate control group for each of these groups, respectively.
影響評価項目
enzyme activity of pineal gland N-acetyltransferase
a circular solenoid of 425 turns in five layers (85 turns in each layer), 200 mm in diameter and 200 mm in height; the test tubes were introduced into a vessel filled with water inside the coil; the exposed glands and the controls were kept at 37 ± 0.5°C by a system of circulating water; no metallic element was used at a distance less than 2 m; the control groups were incubated in a similar system but without the coil, located 2 m from the exposure system
After exposure to a magnetic flux density of 1,000 µT (group 3), the N-acetyltransferase enzyme activity was significantly decreased compared to the control group. All other exposure groups did not show any significant differences compared to the control groups. The authors conclude that exposure of rat pineal glands to a 50 Hz magnetic field might affect the enzyme activity of N-acetyltransferase. This result supports the idea that the pineal gland can be directly affected by ELF MF.
Bakos J et al.
(1999):
Urinary 6-Sulphatoxymelatonin Excretion of Rats is not Changed by 24 Hours of Exposure to A Horizontal 50-Hz, 100-μT Magnetic Field
Selmaoui B et al.
(1999):
Age-related differences in serum melatonin and pineal NAT activity and in the response of rat pineal to a 50-Hz magnetic field
