The effect of the prenatal and/or postnatal exposure to electric field on electrophysiological and biochemical parameters

Our study aimed to investigate mismatch negativity (MMN) as well as apoptosis and oxidative brain damage in rats exposed to 50 Hz electric field (EF). In our study, Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control group (C), prenatal group were exposed to EF during pregnancy for 3 weeks (Pr), Post-natal group were exposed to EF after pregnancy during 3 months (Po), pre+postnatal group were exposed to EF during pregnancy and continued to be exposed to EF (Pr+Po). Experimental groups were exposed to 50 Hz EF at 12 kV/m intensity (1 h/day). Male rats, aged three months, were anesthetized with urethane (1.2 g/kg), the head of the animal was attached to the stereotaxic instrument and electrodes were positioned to the surface of the dura. After MMN recordings, animals were killed by exsanguination and their brain tissues removed for apoptotic cell, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), and protein carbonyl analysis. Protein carbonyl and 4-HNE levels were not changed in the Pr group and decreased in the Pr+Po group whereas 4-HNE levels were increased in the Po group in comparison with the C group. . However, TUNEL-positive cells in experimental groups did not differ from the C group. There were differences in the amplitudes of P2N2 between the responses to the standard and the deviant tones in all groups. Also, in difference waves, amplitudes of P2N2 in all experimental groups were significantly decreased compared with the C group. In conclusion, EF decreased MMN amplitudes and could be induced by lipid and protein oxidation.