Effect of static and alternating magnetic fi elds on acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities in the brain of mice

Abstract

Hoda A. Hamdy, Bothina F. Mahmoud, Thanaa E. ShalabyAwatef M. El-Sharkawy, Farag M. F. Ibrahim

Background: Exposure to magnetic fields (MFs) can affect the release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Objective: The aim was to study some biochemical changes associated with exposure to low frequency static and alternating MFs at a flux density of 3 mT. Animals and Methods: Forty male mice were included in this study. Thirty mice were exposed to a combination of static and alternating MFs at a flux density of 3 mT for the duration of 1-3 weeks. Ten mice were taken as a control group. Activities of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes were determined in whole brain homogenates of these mice. Results: The activities of both enzymes were significantly increased in mice exposed to the MFs compared with the control group. These changes were more apparent after 3 weeks of exposure and were associated with some behavioral manifestations. No mortality or body weight changes were reported after MF exposure. In the present study, the enzymatic activities of AChE and MAO-A and -B were found to be significantly increased in brains of mice exposed to low frequency MFs. Conclusion: Exposure to MF causes changes in the activities of brain enzymes and these changes could affect the behavior of the animals exposed to MF.