Weak combined magnetic field affects basic and morphine-induced rat's EEG

The present study was undertaken to find out, whether weak combined magnetic field (CMF) with intensity comparable to that of the Earth's static magnetic field can influence the EEG activity of the rat's brain at normal (non-treated animals) conditions and after intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of morphine in experimental animals bearing chronically implanted electrodes and cannules. Most of the experiments were performed using CMF containing co-linear static (20.9 microT) and alternating sinusoidal (20.9 microT, 48 Hz) components, i.e., tuned for Ca2+-resonance. The effects of the field were estimated by comparison of the averaged EEG frequency spectra in the range of frequencies between 0.8-23 Hz in experimental and control animals. Statistically significant effects of CMF were observed both in non-treated and morphine-treated rats. However, the most profound effect-the drastic power reduction at most EEG frequencies-appeared in the animals subjected to the i.p.-injection of morphine. These results show that weak CMF can influence the spontaneous electrical brain activity. The data obtained are consistent with the findings of other groups demonstrating that weak magnetic fields may drastically modify the effects of both exogenous and endogenous opioids on different basic functions in vertebrates and invertebrates. Possible mechanisms for the observed effects are discussed.