Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of RFR/EMF Exposure on Pineal/Melatonin

  • Chapter
Radiofrequency Radiation Standards

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NSSA,volume 274))

  • 226 Accesses

Abstract

It was demonstrated that the pineal organ (Epiphysis cerebri), an endocrine gland located in the epithalamus of vertebrates, is capable of responding to magnetic stimuli. After the discovery that the spontaneous electrical activity of single pinealocytes of birds and mammals could be altered by magnetic stimuli, it was shown that also the nocturnal synthesis of the pineal hormone N- acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (Melatonin) was inhibited by a change of the ambient magnetic field. Besides the physiological responses to artificial magnetic fields, there are several indications that the orientation behavior of homing pigeons and migrating birds is influenced by the earth’s magnetic field. It is believed that the photoreceptors of the retinae and the avian pineal gland may serve as magnetoreceptors. Moreover it was shown that regular daily and annual variations of the geomagnetic field, caused by solar winds acting on the magnetosphere of the earth’s sunlit side, could possibly play a role on circadian and circannual rhythms. Clinical relevant results coupled with artificial magnetic influences and possible therapeutic magnetic treatment are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. P. Semm, T. Schneider and L. Vollrath, Nature 288:607–608, (1980).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. L. Maffei, E. Meschini and F. Papi, Z. Tierpsychol., 62:151–156 (1983).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. P. Semm, H. Brettschneider, K. Dölla and W. Wiltschko, in: Comparative Physiology of Environmental Adaptations, ed., Pevet, P., 3:171-182 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  4. P. Semm, D. Nohr, C. Demaine and W. Wiltschko, J. Comp. Physiol. 155:283–288 (1984).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. P. Semm and C. Demaine, J. Comp. Physiol. 159:619–625 (1986).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. R.C. Beason and P. Semm, Neurosci. Lett. 80:229 (1987).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. H.A. Welker, P. Semm, R.P. Willig, J.C. Commente, W. Wiltschko, L. Vollrath, Exp. Brain. Res. 50:426–432 (1983).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. B.K. Wilson, L.E. Anderson, D.I. Hilton and R.D. Phillips, Bioelectromagnetics 2:371–380 (1981).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. W. Wiltschko in: Animal Migration, Navigation, and Homing, K. Schmidt-Koenig & W.T. Keeton, eds. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 50–58 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  10. W. Wiltschko and R. Wiltschko, Science 176:62–64 (1972).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. W. Wiltschko and R. Wiltschko, Current Ornithology 5:67–121 (1988).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. M.A. Persinger, Experientia 43:92–104 (1987).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. C. Walcott, J. exp. Biol. 70:105–123 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  14. S. Reuss, P. Semm and L. Vollrath, Neurosci. Lett. 40:23–26 (1982).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. M. Villa, P. Mustarelli and M. Caprotti, Life Science 69:85–92 (1991).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. A. Lerchl, K.O. Nonaka, K.A. Stokkan and R.J. Reiter, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 169:102–108 (1990).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. A. Lerchl, K.O. Honaka and R.J. Reiter, J. Pineal Res. 10:109–106 (1991a).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. A. Chics-DeMet, E. Chics-DeMet, H. Wu, R. Coopersmith and M. Leon, Neuroscience Abstract 156:17 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  19. M. Zeise and P. Semm, J. Comp. Physiol. 157:23–29 (1985).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. M.S. Keshavan, B.N. Gangadhar, R.U. Gautam, V.B. Ajiit and R.L. Kapur, Neurosci. Lett. 22:205–208 (1981).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. T. Deguchi and J. Axelrod, Analyt.Biochem. 50:174–179 (1972).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. P. Semm, T. Schneider, L. Vollrath and W. Wiltschko, in: Avian Navigation, F. Papi and H.G. Wallraff eds., 329–337, Springer Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York (1982).

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  23. C. Demaine and P. Semm, Neurosci.Lett. 62:119–122 (1985).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. P. Semm and L. Vollrath, J. Comp. Physiol. 154:675–681 (1984).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. C. Demaine and P. Semm, Neurosci. Lett. 72:158–16226 (1986).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. K. Mai and P. Semm, J. Hirnforschung 31:331–336 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  27. S. Reuss and P. Semm, Naturwissenschaften 74:38–39 (1987).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. G. Cremer-Bartels, K. Krause and H.J. Küchle, Graefe’s Arch.Clin.Exp. Ophthalmol. 220:248–252 (1983).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. G. Cremer-Bartels, K. Krause, G. Mitoskas and G. Brodersen, Naturwiss. 71:567–574 (1984).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. J.L. Bardasano, A.J. Meyer and L Picazo, J. Hirnforschung 26:471–475 (1985).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. S. Reuss, J. Olcese, L. Vollrath, M. Skalej and M. Meves, IRCS Med. Sci. 13:471 (1985).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. J. Milin, M. Bajic and V. Brakus, Neuroscience 26, 3:1083–1092 (1988).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. S.A. Rivkees, V.M. Cassone, D.R. Weaver and S.M. Reppert, Endocrinol. 125, 1:363–368 (1989).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. D.R. Weaver, S.A. Rivkees and S.M. Reppert, J. Neuroscience 9, 7:2581–2590 (1989).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. L.L. Carlson and S.M. Reppert, Endocrinology 125:160a (1989).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. H. Bartsch, L. Bartsch and D. Gupta, in: Neuroendocrinology: New Frontiers. Brain Research Promotion, D. Gupta, H.A. Wollmann, M.B. Ranke, eds., Tübingen, Germany, 333 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  37. F. Anton-Tay, J.L. Diaz, and A. Fernandez-Guardiola, Life Sci. 10:841–850 (1971).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. S.H. Kennedy, S. Tighe, G. McVey and G.M. Brown, J. Nerv. Mental Disease 177, 5:300–303 (1989).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. F. Tortosa, M. Piug-Domingo, M.A. Peinado, J. Oriola, S.M. Webb and A. de Leiva, Acta Endocrinol. Copenh. 120:574–578 (1989).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. S.W. Holmes and D. Sugden, Br. J. Pharmacol., 76:95–101 (1982).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. B.D. Goldman, J.M. Darrow and L. Yogev, Endocrinology 114, 6:2074–2083 (1984).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. F. Waldhauser and H. Steger, J. Neural. Transm. 21:183–197 (1986).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. G.C. Brainard, L.J. Petterborg, B.A. Richardson and R.J. Reiter, Neuroendocrinology 35:342–348 (1982).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. E. Gwinner, J. Comp. Physiol. 126:123–129 (1978).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. G.J.M. Maestroni, A. Conti and W. Pierpaoli, J. Neuroimmunol 13:19–30 (1986).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. E.D. Terracini and F.A. Brown, Physiol. Zool. 35:27–37 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  47. V.L. Bliss and F.H. Heppner, Nature 261:411–412 (1976).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. J.A. Brown Jr. and K.M. Scow, J. inierdiscipl. Cycle Res. 9:137–145 (1978).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. K. Rudolph, A. Wirz-Justice, K. Kräuchi and H. Feer, Brain Research 446:159–160 (1988).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. P.A. Anninos, N. Tsagas, R. Sandyk and K. Derpapas, Intern. J. Neuroscience 60:141–171 (1991).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. R. LaPorte, L. Kus, R.A. Wisniewski, M.M. Prechel, B. Azar-Kia and J.A. McNulty, Brain Res. 506:294–296 (1990).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. A. Lerchl, R.J. Reiter, K.A. Howes, K.O. Nonake and K.A. Stokkan, Neurosci. Lett. 124:213–215 (1991).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. J.B. Phillips, Society for Neuroscience: Abstracts 13:397 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  54. M.J.M. Leask, Nature 267:144–145 (1977).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. K. Schulten and A. Windemuth, in: Biophysical Effects of Steady Magnetic Fields. G. Maret, J. Kiepenheuer, & N. Boccara, eds. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. 167–172 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  56. R.C. Beason and P. Semm, in: Orientation in Birds, P. Berthold, ed., Birkhäuser Verlag Basel/Switzerland, 106–127 (1991).

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  57. A.J. Kalmijn, J. Exp. Biol. 55:371–383 (1971).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. A.J. Kalmijn, Science 218:916–918 (1982).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. T. Leucht., Naturwissenschaften 74:441–443 (1987).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. K.P. Ossenkopp, M. Kavaliers and M. Hirst, Neurosci. Lett. 40:321–325 (1983).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. M. Lindauer and H. Martin, Z. Vergl. Physiol., 60:219–243 (1968).

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zool. Institut, AG Magnetoneurobiologie, Universität Frankfort, Siesmayerstr. 70, 6000, Frankfort 11, Germany

    Peter Semm & T. Schneider

Authors
  1. Peter Semm
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. Schneider
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Radiofrequency Radiation Division, Armstrong Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, USA

    B. Jon Klauenberg  & David N. Erwin  & 

  2. Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy

    Martino Grandolfo

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Semm, P., Schneider, T. (1995). Effects of RFR/EMF Exposure on Pineal/Melatonin. In: Klauenberg, B.J., Grandolfo, M., Erwin, D.N. (eds) Radiofrequency Radiation Standards. NATO ASI Series, vol 274. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0945-9_27

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0945-9_27

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-0947-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-0945-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation