EMF and Acetylcholine


Richard GAUTIER (pharmacy Dr), Louis GOUGEON (medecine Dr), Roger SANTINI (Science Dr)
www.csif-cem.org le 30/05/2003

Summarized

Acetylcholine (Ach) is an implied neurotransmitter in the transmission of the signals of a cerebral cell to another. The works presented below show without ambiguity that the electromagnetic fields of the mobile communication have effects on Ach and on an enzyme key of the functioning of this neurotransmitter : Acetylcholine esterase (AchE). These modifications are recognized but sometimes could be qualified of 'physiological noise' therefore without importance. It is showed here that these variations some did superior to the one that provoke disturbances of the different phases of sleep or to the one met in the alzheimer disease, we are therefore far physiological noise !

Different works :

many works showed the effect of the CEM on intracellular Calcium and it was showed that Calcium is an important element about action of the CEM on the activity of the neurotransmitter (1), or by action on the proteines of the gap junction of the electric synapsis (2), from which action on the intercellular communications. (3)

The works of Dutta and coll. (4) have first concern the influence of the radiofrequency (RFR) modulated in amplitude on the cell flows of Calcium. They showed significant variations of these Calcium flows to the values of SAR of 0.05 and 0.005 w/kg (notion of action window ). They showed next (5) that these even measure bring in modifications of the activity of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), there is therefore well deterioration of the cell functions.

Kunjilwar and coll. (6) equally found modifications of the AchE by application to long term of these modulated RFR.

The numerous works of Lay and coll. (7-29. summarized and recapitulated in 30) confirmed and spread these different works while showing the action of the RFR on the Acetylcholine rate, increase in 20 mn exposition to the RFR then the exposition to RFR for 45 minute diminished the activity of the Ach in various regions of the brain of the rat, in particular in the frontal cortex and the hippocampe. These different effects can be explained by mechanisms : quick action by the intermediary of action on Calcium or on the proteines ca2+-dependant of the synapsis, slower effect by action on the AchE, or on the synthesis itself after activation of the Hsp and of the MAP kinases pathway, the result being therefore function of the exposition time.

Testylier and coll. (31) showed equally influences of exposition level on one hand or exposition time on the other hand.

Lay and coll. equally showed the action of repeated expositions that translate themselves by a modification of the number of receivers to the acetylcholine this that translates non-physiological disruptions of the acetylcholine rate.

Discussion :

As early as 1998, Dr Santini (32) indicated the implication of Acetylcholine in "la régulation de l'humeur chez l'homme, l'apprentissage et la mémorisation chez l'animal." While indicating therefore the risks linked to the mobile communication and it is necessary to note that one rediscovers these disturbances in the investigations on the riverside ones of base station. As early as 1998 equally Dr Lay (30) evoked the risks of attained to the functions of memory. In the framework of the cognitive phenomena, memory, the role of Acetylcholine was confirmed (33, 34, 35 for example).

And it is therefore pertinent to wonder if the modifications of the Ach rates rediscovered in the experiences under RFR can have repercussions on the health of the persons subject to the RFR of the mobil phones or of their base station or themselves they be part of the 'physiological noise'.

Different works (36-41) showed that Ach rate is in communication with the phases of sleep (38) and that of the very weak variations of the local rate of Ach have repercussions : Ach is 30% superior during the REM phases that during other phases or during awakening (36). On the other hand an injection of glutamate increases the local Ach this that has for consequence a decrease of the latency before REM and an increase of number of REM phases per hour as early as 10% of increase of the rate loccal ach with a relation level response. (37)

The Lay works or of Testylier showed that the RFR of weak intensity could give modifications again more important and therefore well superior to the 'physiological noise'. It is necessary equally to note that the experiencies with exposition of man to the blown radiofrequencies to non thermal level showed of the attained at the level of the phases REM of sleep or latency before REM (42 and see chapter on the modifications of the eeg).

The disruptions of the neurotransmitters, of which the acetylcholine, are equally suspected to be important factors for origin of disturbances of cognition such certain dyslexies, the hyperactivity, autisme, schizophreny.

The decreases of the number of receivers at the level of the junction neuro-muscle give a muscular fatigabilité of type pseudo-myastheny (43).

In the framework of the alzheimer disease, it now is shown that one of the attained principal, without that the cause some is known, the is attained neurotrasmitters and principally Acetylcholine (44). Thus the principal medicines, symptomatical, are suppressants of AchE in order to compensate for this decrease. If it is impossible to assert today that the alone attained Ach by the RFR be able giving a neurdegenerative disease (well that that be conceivable: Ach is important for proliferation processes and of neuronal differentiation during the development. The Ach deficit can therefore to impair the adult neurogenesis -35) this mechanism could intervene on the evolution of the disease or a resistance to the treatment.

From the perspective of study of the importance of the modifications of the AchE induced by the RFR comparatively to the physiological one, it is to note that the extent of the rate modifications obtained for example by Dutta and coll. is same order that the one observed with the attained patients of the alzheimer disease (45) for which the medicines that correct these variations are effective to correct.

Of more again the modifications in the same time of the other neurotransmitters with as consequences the shown modifications of the electric activity of the brain shown by EEG (to see chapter corresponding) show the implication of the blown CEM of the mobile communication in many psychological disturbances or psychiatriques according to the exposition dose.

It there has not therefore any doubts on the existence of the effects of the RFR on the acetylcholine rate at the level of the neurones or on the reality pathologique of these modifications: disturbances of sleep, mood, muscular weakness, disturbances of memory and this to weak near doses of 0,005 w/kg (about 12,5 µW/cm2 be 6 v/m) in the exposition caseExtended.

References :


(1) Calvo et coll. Synaptic neurone activity under applied 50 Hz alternating magnetic fields. Comp Biochem Physiol C Pharmacol Toxicol Endocrinol 1999 Sep;124(1):99-107
(2) Zeng et coll. ELF magnetic fields induce internalization of gap junction protein connexin 43 in Chinese hamster lung cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2003 Feb;24(2):134-8
(3) Shcheglov et coll. Cell-to-cell communication in response of E. coli cells at different phases of growth to low-intensity microwaves. Biochim Biophys Acta 2002 Aug 15;1572(1):101-6 
(4) Dutta et coll. Radiofrequency radiation-induced calcium ion efflux enhancement from human and other neuroblastoma cells in culture. Bioelectromagnetics 1989;10(2):197-202
(5) Dutta et coll. Dose dependence of acetylcholinesterase activity in neuroblastoma cells exposed to modulated radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Bioelectromagnetics 1992;13(4):317-22
(6) Kunjilwar et coll. Effect of amplitude-modulated radio frequency radiation on cholinergic system of developing rats. Brain Res 1993 Jan 22;601(1-2):321-4.
(7) Lai, H. Acute exposure to noise affects sodium-dependent high-affinity choline uptake in the central nervous system of the rat. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 28:147-151; 1987.
(8) Lai, H. Effects of repeated exposure to white noise on central cholinergic activity in the rat. Brain Research 442:403-406; 1988.
(9) Lai, H. Research on the neurological effects of nonionizing radiation at the University of Washington. Bioelectromagnetics 13:513-526; 1992.
(10) Lai, H. Neurological effects of microwave irradiation. In: "Advances in Electromagnetic Fields in Living Systems, Vol. 1", J.C. Lin (ed.), Plenum Press, New York, pp. 27-80; 1994.
(11) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A. Acute white noise exposure affects the concentration of benzodiazepine receptors in the brain of the rat. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 36:985-987; 1990a.
(12) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A. Effects of noise on high-affinity choline uptake in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of the rat are blocked by intracerebroventricular injection of a corticotropin-releasing factor antagonist. Brain Res. 527:354-358; 1990b.
(13) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A. Opioid receptor subtypes mediating the noise-induced decreases in high-affinity choline uptake in the rat brain. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 42:553-558; 1992.
(14) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A. 60 Hz magnetic field and central cholinergic activity: effects of exposure intensity and duration. Bioelectromagnetics (In press)
(15) Lai, H.; Horita, A.; Chou, C.K.; Guy, A.W. Psychoactive drug response is affected by acute low-level microwave irradiation. Bioelectromagnetics 4:205-214; 1983.
(16) Lai, H.; Zabawska, J.; Horita, A. Sodium-dependent high-affinity choline uptake in hippocampus and frontal cortex of the rat affected by acute restraint stress. Brain Research 372:366-369; 1986d.
(17) Lai, H.; Horita, A.; Chou, C.K.; Guy, A.W. A review of microwave irradiation and actions of psychoactive drugs. IEEE Eng. Med. Biol. 6(1):31-36; 1987a.
(18) Lai, H.; Horita, A.; Chou, C.K.; Guy, A.W. Low-level microwave irradiation affects central cholinergic activity in the rat. J. Neurochem. 48:40-45; 1987b.
(19) Lai, H.; Horita, A.; Chou, C.K.; Guy, A.W. Effects of low-level microwave irradiation on hippocampal and frontal cortical choline uptake are classically conditionable. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 27:635-639; 1987c.
(20) Lai, H.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Acute low-level microwave exposure and central cholinergic activity: studies on irradiation parameters. Bioelectromagnetics 9:355-362; 1988.
(21) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Low-level microwave irradiation and central cholinergic systems. Pharmac. Biochem. Behav. 33:131-138; 1989a.
(22) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Acute low-level microwave exposure and central cholinergic activity: a dose-response study. Bioelectromagnetics 10:203-209; 1989b.
(23) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Wen, Y.F. Repeated noise exposure affects muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the rat brain. Brain Res 488:361-364; 1989c.
(24) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Corticotropin-releasing factor antagonist blocks microwave-induced changes in central cholinergic activity in the rat. Brain Res. Bull. 25:609-612; 1990.
(25) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Wen, Y.F.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Naltrexone pretreatment blocks microwave-induced changes in central cholinergic receptors. Bioelectromagnetics 12:27-33; 1991.
(26) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Single vs repeated microwave exposure: effects on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain of the rat. Bioelectromagnetics 13:57-66; 1992a
(27) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Opioid receptor subtypes that mediate a microwave-induced decrease in central cholinergic activity in the rat. Bioelectromagnetics 13:237-246; 1992b.
(28) Lai, H.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Microwave irradiation affects radial-arm maze performance in the rat. Bioelectromagnetics 15:95-104; 1994.
(29) Lai, H.; Carino, M.A.; Horita, A.; Guy, A.W. Intraseptal funaltrexamine injection blocked microwave-induced decrease in hippocampal cholinergic activity in the rat. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 53:613-616; 1996.
(30) Lai Henry Neurological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation. Workshop on Possible Biological and Health Effects of RF Electromagnetic Fields, Mobile Phone and Health Symposium, Oct 25-28, 1998,
(31) Testylier et coll. Effects of exposure to low level radiofrequency fields on acetylcholine release in hippocampus of freely moving rats Bioelectromagnetics 23:249-255, 2002.
(32) Santini Roger : "Téléphones cellulaires : danger ? ed Marco pietteur 1998"
(33) Ego-Stengel et coll. Acetylcholine-dependent induction and expression of functional plasticity in the barrel cortex of the adult rat. J Neurophysiol 2001 Jul;86(1):422-37
(34) Chapouthier Georges CNRS, (Paris) : Journées "neurobiologie de la mémoire" Les 21, 22 et 25, 26 Mars 2002
(35) Collet et coll. UMR 5020 CNRS/ Université Claude Bernard Directeur: Pr L Collet
(36) Kodama et coll. Enhancement of acetylcholine release during REM sleep in the caudomedial medulla as measured by in vivo microdialysis. Brain Res 1992 May 15;580(1-2):348-50
(37) Kodama et coll. Brainstem Acetylcholine Release and REM Sleep (fichier pdf : http://www.npi.ucla.edu/sleepresearch/acad51/acad51.pdf)
(38) Kodama et coll. Enhancement of acetylcholine release during paradoxical sleep in the dorsal tegmental field of the cat brain stem. NeurosciLett 1990;114:277-282.
(39) Lydic R, Baghdoyan HA, Lorinc Z. Microdialysates from the medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF) reveal increased acetylcholine (ACh) release during the carbachol-induced REM sleeplike state(DCarb).S/ee/jJ?ejl991;20:25. .
(40) Kametani et coll. Alterations in acetylcholine release in the rat hippocampus during sleep-wakefulness detected by intracerebral dialysis. Life Sci 1990;47:421-426.
(41) Kametani et coll. Circadian rhythm of cortical acetylcholine release as measured by in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rate. Neurosci Lett 1991;132:263-266.
(42) Huber et coll. Electromagnetic fields, such as those from mobile phones, alter regional cerebral blood flow and sleep and waking EEG.J Sleep Res 2002 Dec;11(4):289-295
(43) John C. Keesay, M. D., et Rena Sonshine 1995 by Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America
(44) Alzheimer et Acetylcholine voir : http://www.cnrs.org/SDV/M3.html ou http://www.med.univ-rennes1.fr/resped/cours/pharmaco/alzheimer.htm ou http://www.maladie-alzheimer.com/
(45) Herholz et coll. Measuring cerebral acetylcholine esterase activity in alzheimer dementia by pet functional parametric imaging Symposium on neurobiology Israel Octobre 21-26, 2001