Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Enhances Locomotor Activity via Activation of Dopamine D1-Like Receptors in Mice

Abstract

We demonstrated that exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) enhanced dopamine levels in the rat striatum. To extend our understanding, we examined the role of dopaminergic receptors in ELF-MF–induced behavioral changes. Exposure to ELF-MF (2.4 mT, 1 h/day, for one or seven days) enhanced locomotor activity in a time-dependent manner. This hyperlocomotor activity paralleled an increase in c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (c-Fos-IR). Pretreatment with SCH23390, a dopaminergic D1-like receptor antagonist, but not with sulpiride, a dopaminergic D2-like receptor antagonist, inhibited ELF-MF–induced increased locomotor activity and c-Fos-IR. Thus, our results suggest that ELF-MF–induced behavioral responses are, at least in part, mediated by activation of dopamine D1-like receptors. Keywords:: extremely low frequency magnetic field, locomotor activity, dopaminergic receptor