Aliyari H, Sahraei H, Menhaj M B, Kazemi M, Vahidi B, Hosseinian S H. Environmental Effect of High-voltage Towers on the Cerebellum and Cognitive Impairments in the Monkey. BCN 2024; 15 (2) :185-198
URL:
http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-2048-en.html
1- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.
2- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Electrical, Computer & Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Introduction: Today, high-voltage (HV) lines create a pernicious environment for humans living or working in the vicinity and even under these lines. The male rhesus monkey is used to investigate the effects of fields produced by HV towers. This study examines the function and level of impact in rhesus monkeys’ brains from the cerebellum’s cognitive, biological, and structural perspective.
Methods: Two monkeys have been used, one as a control and the second as a test. The monkey under test was subjected to a simulated HV electrical field of 3 kV/m, 4 hours a day, for 1 month. Behavioral tests were performed using a device designed and built for this purpose. Concentration analysis of adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH) and inspection of glucocorticoid receptor gene’s (GR) expression were performed by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Changes in cerebellar anatomy were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All tests were performed before and after the study period and compared with the control monkey.
Results: Cognitive tests showed a significant reduction for the monkey exposed to the HV electrical field in the first week after imposition compared with the same time before. Also, the expression of the GR gene decreased, and the concentration of ACTH hormone in plasma increased. Surveying the level of cerebral MRI images did not show any difference, but hemorrhage was evident in a part of the cerebellum.
Conclusion: The tested monkey’s cognitive, biological, and MRI results showed a decrease in visual learning and memory indices.
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• Exposure to high-pressure electrical fields induces cognitive changes in the male rhesus monkeys, which is associated with an elevated susceptibility to neurological disorders.
• There is a significant reduction in the prefrontal cortex after exposure to high-pressure electrical fields.
• Neurological disorders are correlated with behavioral anomalies in male rhesus monkeys.
• Exposure to high-pressure electrical fields can provoke immune system dysfunctions, manifesting as weakness and fatigue.
Plain Language Summary
The ELF around high-voltage power towers has significant detrimental effects on the brain and cognitive functions of both animals and humans. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the biological and cognitive effects on the brain, behavior, and other directly related parameters in monkeys exposed to high-voltage fields created in the lab environment. The results of the study demonstrated significant changes in behavioral, cognitive, and biological aspects in monkeys exposed to these high-voltage fields. These findings indicate a potential risk for individuals as well as employees of occupations living or working near these high-voltage towers.
Type of Study:
Original |
Subject:
Cognitive Neuroscience Received: 2021/01/1 | Accepted: 2021/04/12 | Published: 2024/03/1