The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on depression, anxiety, thyroid hormones, and gene expression in mice

OBJECTIVES: Studies suggest that exposure to electromagnetic fields may increase the incidence of health problems such as mood disorders. In this study, we evaluated the effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on depression, anxiety, thyroid hormones, and gene expression in mice. METHODS: In total, 240 male BALB/c mice were allocated into 4 groups of experimental and 4 groups of control animals, each including 30 mice. Experimental mice received 50 Hz electromagnetic field, 3 hours daily for 30 days. Control animals were placed inside the same room for the same time interval. We compared the depressive state by carrying out the Forced Swim Test, used a mouse Elevated Plus Maze to compare anxiety responses, assessed T3, T4, and TSH, and used real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure gene expression. RESULTS: The duration of immobility posture in the swim test was less for the exposed mice. Also, in plus maze the animals treated with the field entered less frequently, and spent less time on the open arms, and showed less motor activity (all P<0.05). In addition, in the exposed mice T4 and TSH concentration increased significantly (both P<0.05); however, the increase in T3 was not significant (p = 0.057). We did not find any significant difference in gene expression between the groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field 50 Hz for 30 days decreases depression, and increase anxiety-like behavior in mice. In addition, exposure to the field activates thyroid hormone production; but it does not affect gene expression.