Electromagnetic Fields and Circadian Rhythmicity

This book is the first in a new series entitled ''Advances in Circadian Physiology." Our aim in this and subsequent volumes is to document and critically analyze the state of knowledge on biological clocks, circadian rhythms and their applications to human health, safety, performance and productivity. In the past twenty years, scientists have uncovered an elegant system of biological clocks in the brain that govern the daily rhythms of sleep and alertness, hormone levels and temperature and a myriad other aspects of body function. From the first identification of the suprachiasmatic biological clock in the early 1970s, this field of research has exploded in information and implication. These biological clocks, so perfectly attuned to the pace of a bygone era, are the root cause of the human fatigue, error, accidents and reduced productivity precipi­ tated by the around-the-clock challenges of today's industry and society. Research on these clocks offers the promise of fundamental solutions which can help the human race adjust physiologically to the technology-paced world we have created. Front Matter....Pages i-2 Introduction....Pages 3-10 Front Matter....Pages 11-11 Changes in Circadian Melatonin Synthesis in the Pineal Gland of Animals Exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation: A Summary of Observations and Speculation on Their Implications....Pages 13-27 Effects of Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Neuroendocrine Function....Pages 29-50 Front Matter....Pages 51-51 Pineal Function in Mammals and Birds is Altered by Earth-Strength Magnetic Fields....Pages 53-62 Magnetoreception in Rodents: Involvement of the Eyes and the Pineal Organ may be Evidence for a Chronobiological Substrate....Pages 63-73 Front Matter....Pages 75-75 Factors in Postmeridial Hormone Changes Among Rats in Electric Field Exposure Studies....Pages 77-94 Magnetic Fields, Opioid Systems, and Day-Night Rhythms of Behavior....Pages 95-117 Front Matter....Pages 119-119 Circadian Rhythmicity of Man Under the Influence of Weak Electromagnetic Fields....Pages 121-139 The Stability of the Circadian Rhythm of the Green Finch ( Carduelis chloris ) Either in a Weak 10-Hz Electric Field or a Negatively Ionized Atmosphere....Pages 141-150 Operant Response Rate as a Function of Time of Day and Early Electromagnetic Exposure on Rats Tested as Adults....Pages 151-166 Studies on the Effects of 60-Hz Electric and Magnetic Fields on Neuroendocrine Circadian Rhythmicity in Nonhuman Primates....Pages 167-186 Discussant Commentaries....Pages 187-200 Back Matter....Pages 201-210