Hypomagnetic Field Alters Circadian Rhythm and Increases Algesia in Adult Male Mice

摘要: It has been established that exposure in the hypomagnetic field (HMF), which is one of the environmental factor of outer space, has adverse effects on animal and human behavior and brain function. Thus, it is necessary to develop appropriate counteract strategy to avoid the HMF-induced risks to the health of the astronauts during long-term and long-distance manned space mission. However, the physical and mental effects of the HMF in details still await systematic evaluation and the underlying mechanism remains elusive, so far. In this study, we constructed an HMF animal rearing system (<500 nT) and examined the effects of one-month HMF exposure on the circadian behavior, pain response and emotions in adult male C57BL/6 mice (4 similar to 6 weeks old, (20 +/- 2) g). The control animals were reared in the geomagnetic field (GMF). The HMF-exposed animals exhibited a prolonged alteration of the circadian drinking rhythm and a decrease in general activity, accompanied with an increase in thermal hyperalgesia. But the HMF did not induce obvious depression-like and anxiety-related behaviors. The serum noradrenalin concentration in HMF-exposed mice significantly decreased. These findings indicate that the HMF disturbs the behavior rhythm and the function of endocrine system, which probably leads to the subsequently weakened activities of the animal.