Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Neuropeptide Transcript Levels in the Synganglion of Ixodes ricinus

Authors: Šofranková L, Baňas M, Pipová N, Majláth I, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Pavlík M, Mateos-Hernández L, Šimo L, Majláthová V

Year: 2023

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: Pathogens

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121398

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/12/12/1398

Abstract

Overview

Anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation is a significant environmental factor that impacts the functionality of biological systems. Previous studies have established sensitivity to various electromagnetic frequencies in ixodid ticks.

Experiment Details

  • In this experiment, 360 Ixodes ricinus ticks (180 males and 180 females) were divided into 24 groups, with 16 irradiated and 8 control groups.
  • Exposure involved electromagnetic radiation at 900 MHz frequency in two different intensities across varying durations.

Findings

Changes in neuropeptide transcript levels were assessed using RT-PCR in tick synganglia following irradiation:

  • Significant decrease in transcript levels was observed in all female groups exposed to higher intensity radiation for 1 to 3 hours.
  • Males showed significant downregulation of allatotropin expression after one hour of high-intensity exposure.

Conclusion

These changes imply a potential risk associated with exposure to higher intensity electromagnetic fields on tick neurophysiology. However, the specific roles of these neuropeptides in ticks have not been fully elucidated, suggesting a need for more in-depth studies to better understand these effects.

electromagnetic radiation neuropeptides Ixodes ricinus neurophysiology health risks
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