Long-term exposure to a hypomagnetic field attenuates adult hippocampal neurogenesis and cognition

Nat Commun. 2021 Feb 19;12(1):1174. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21468-x.

Abstract

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis contributes to learning and memory, and is sensitive to a variety of environmental stimuli. Exposure to a hypomagnetic field (HMF) influences the cognitive processes of various animals, from insects to human beings. However, whether HMF exposure affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent cognitions is still an enigma. Here, we showed that male C57BL/6 J mice exposed to HMF by means of near elimination of the geomagnetic field (GMF) exhibit significant impairments of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent learning, which is strongly correlated with a reduction in the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, these deficits seen in HMF-exposed mice could be rescued either by elevating ROS levels through pharmacological inhibition of ROS removal or by returning them back to GMF. Therefore, our results suggest that GMF plays an important role in adult hippocampal neurogenesis through maintaining appropriate endogenous ROS levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cognition / radiation effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Hippocampus / pathology*
  • Hippocampus / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Magnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Memory
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neural Stem Cells
  • Neurogenesis / genetics
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Neurogenesis / radiation effects*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species