The effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on motor activity of rats in the open field

Abstract

Exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF, 50 Hz, 0.5 mT) for seven days did not change spontaneous motor activity of rats in the open field compared to sham-exposed animals. Pre-exposure to ELF-MF decreased locomotor and stereotypic activity induced by amphetamine (1.5 mg/kg body weight) and accordingly increased the resting time compared to sham-exposed and amphetamine-treated rats. Vertical activity (rearing) of these two groups was similar. Our results indicate that ELF-MF has different effects on some parameters of amphetamine-induced motor activity, probably due to brain region-specific effects on catecholaminergic systems responsible for movement control.