Effects of ELF and static magnetic fields on calcium oscillations in islets of Langerhans.

Several experimental studies have produced contradictory results on the effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields on cellular processes involving calcium ions. Furthermore, the few positive results have not been independently replicated. In most of these studies, isolated cells were used.

Effects of GSM-900 microwaves on the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) rat model of multiple sclerosis.

The effects of acute exposure to GSM-900 microwaves (900 MHz, 217 Hz pulse modulation) on the clinical parameters of the acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in rats were investigated in two independent experiments: rats were either habituated or nonhabituated to the exposure restrainers. EAE was induced with a mixture of myelin basic protein and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Female Lewis rats were divided into cage control, sham exposed, and two groups exposed either at 1.

Direct and trophic contamination of the herbivorous carp Ctenopharyngodon idella by inorganic mercury and methylmercury.

A comparative analysis of inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) and methylmercury (MMHg) bioaccumulation by the herbivorous fish Ctenopharyngodon idella, via the direct and "direct+trophic" routes, was investigated experimentally. The direct contamination was based on fairly low exposure conditions (Hg(II), 300 ng small middle dotL(-1); MMHg, 30 ng small middle dotL(-1)), for 15 and 30 days. The trophic uptake was based on ingestion of macrophyte leaves (Elodea densa), previously exposed for 87 days to similar Hg concentrations.

Alleviation of a selective age-related relational memory deficit in mice by pharmacologically induced normalization of brain retinoid signaling.

Vitamin A and its derivatives, the retinoids, have been implicated recently in the synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus and might therefore play a role in associated cognitive functions. Acting via transcription factors, retinoids can regulate gene expression via their nuclear receptors [retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors]. In a series of experiments, the present study investigated the possible role of age-related downregulation of retinoid-mediated transcription events in the cognitive decline seen in aged mice.

Simultaneous experimental study of direct and direct plus trophic contamination of the crayfish Astacus astacus by inorganic mercury and methylmercury.

An experimental study was carried out to investigate direct and direct plus trophic contamination routes of the crayfish Astacus astacus by inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) or methylmercury (MeHg). Direct exposure was based on low contamination conditions, 300 and 30 ng/L in the dissolved phase, respectively, during 30 d at 20 degrees C. Trophic exposure was based on daily consumption of the Asiatic clam Corbicula fluminea, previously contaminated during 40 d with similar exposure conditions.

Fine-scale tissue distribution of cadmium, inorganic mercury, and methylmercury in nymphs of the burrowing mayfly Hexagenia rigida studied by whole-body autoradiography.

The distribution of inorganic 109Cd(II), inorganic 203Hg(II), and [203Hg] methylmercury (MeHg) in nymphs of the burrowing mayfly Hexagenia rigida after exposure via water and sediments was studied. To better understand the mechanisms underlying the fate of Cd, Hg, and MeHg in this animal and to identify target organs, autoradiography of whole-body cryosections was used to obtain a detailed view of the distribution of the radiolabels. The gut and exoskeleton were the only structures labeled in nymphs exposed to Cd via water or sediments.