The Effect of Electrical Fields from High-Voltage Transmission Line on Cognitive Changes in Male Rhesus Macaque Monkeys: A Biological and Anatomical Study Using MRI Case Report Study

Abstract

Living near high-voltage power lines and exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is a potential serious hazard to animal and human health. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of high-frequency EMFs from simulated high-voltage electric towers on cognitive, anatomical, and biological changes in male Macaque. In this study, two Rhesus Macaque were recruited, one experimental and one control. The experimental subject was exposed to EMFs from simulated 3kV/m electric towers with a given protocol, and the control subject was tested without irradiation (4h a day, for 30 days). All required tests were performed before and after the intervention on both experimental and control monkeys. The anatomical alternation of the prefrontal area (PFA) was measured by MRI images. All tests were performed on irradiated and control animals before and after the intervention, and results were compared between irradiated and control animals. the findings of the present study indicated increased white blood cell counts, after high-frequency EMFs irradiation. Also, the red blood cell counts showed a decreasing trend after irradiation. The plasma levels of adrenaline increased after irradiation. Besides, the blood glucose levels increased after irradiation. The PFA was different before and after the irradiation. Moreover, some behavioral disorders such as fatigue, drowsiness, anorexia and insomnia were observed after irradiation. Results from biological tests and MRI showed elevated risk of immunodeficiency disorders, weakness, and behavioral disorders. A warning is given to people who live or work near high-voltage electric towers with high-frequency EMFs.