How the Government is Threatening Your Freedom
The FDA protects corporate interests, not consumers. The agency pretends they are on the side of free trade, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Instead, they are on the side of regulations and special interests, all for the protection of certain multi-national corporations.
That's the message behind this short video you must watch, We Become Silent: The Last Days of Health Freedom.
http://www.mercola.com/display/router.aspx?docid=34953
Dr. Mercola's Comment:
The betrayal of democracy began when profit replaced the will of the people and corporate lobbyists became the masters of the universe. If it is true that our lives begin to end the moment we become silent about things that matter, then freedom in this country has already begun to atrophy because of our inaction.
The pursuit of happiness and the promise of personal choice are eventually chipped away by complacency. If we exercise our choices just as the forces of power and money have done, you CAN make a difference.
On the other hand, should we stay silent, governments will be free to replace the teachings of truth with their toxic lies.
Remember you get the government you deserve -- including all the institutional hypocrisy and bias endemic to the FDA -- if you don't stand up and be counted. If everyone does their fair share, however, the good guys will eventually prevail.
For more information, I strongly encourage you to check out the material at Care2.com.
On Vital Votes, biochemist Russ Bianchi from Soquel, California warns:
"As loathsome and corrupt as FDA is, I equally caution all consumers to make sure they are not also being bamboozled with wonderful sounding labels among some, not all, nutritional and dietary supplement products, as well as more that a few natural health food & organic labels, as Dr. Mercola has pointed out.
"There remains many hyped, deceptive, fanciful & semantically lovely sounding ingredients out there, on some product lines, that are as dangerous, fraudulent & toxic to human health, as the bait & switch of recalled Big Pharma drugs."
Other responses to this article can be viewed at Vital Votes, and you can add your own thoughts or vote on comments by first registering at Vital Votes.
Related Articles:
Will Drug Companies and the FDA Really Take Care of You?
The FDA is Unable to Protect You!
The FDA ''Foxes'' Keep Guarding the Drug Safety Henhouse
The betrayal of democracy began when profit replaced the will of the people and corporate lobbyists became the masters of the universe. If it is true that our lives begin to end the moment we become silent about things that matter, then freedom in this country has already begun to atrophy because of our inaction.
The pursuit of happiness and the promise of personal choice are eventually chipped away by complacency. If we exercise our choices just as the forces of power and money have done, you CAN make a difference.
On the other hand, should we stay silent, governments will be free to replace the teachings of truth with their toxic lies.
Remember you get the government you deserve -- including all the institutional hypocrisy and bias endemic to the FDA -- if you don't stand up and be counted. If everyone does their fair share, however, the good guys will eventually prevail.
For more information, I strongly encourage you to check out the material at Care2.com.
On Vital Votes, biochemist Russ Bianchi from Soquel, California warns:
"As loathsome and corrupt as FDA is, I equally caution all consumers to make sure they are not also being bamboozled with wonderful sounding labels among some, not all, nutritional and dietary supplement products, as well as more that a few natural health food & organic labels, as Dr. Mercola has pointed out.
"There remains many hyped, deceptive, fanciful & semantically lovely sounding ingredients out there, on some product lines, that are as dangerous, fraudulent & toxic to human health, as the bait & switch of recalled Big Pharma drugs."
Other responses to this article can be viewed at Vital Votes, and you can add your own thoughts or vote on comments by first registering at Vital Votes.
Related Articles:
Will Drug Companies and the FDA Really Take Care of You?
The FDA is Unable to Protect You!
The FDA ''Foxes'' Keep Guarding the Drug Safety Henhouse
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Dear Dr. Alan Pounds:
Dear Dr. Alan Pounds,
I was wondering if you have given the idea - that it is actually the electromagnetic radiation from cell phone towers and other sourses of electromagnetic radiation that is killing the frogs throughout the world - any more thought since I last contacted you over a year ago? The following study and article offer additional evidence that this is indeed the case.
Kind regards,
Art KAB
The incidence of electromagnetic pollution on the amphibian decline: Is this an important piece of the puzzle?
A bibliographical review on the possible effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless telecommunications on living organisms and its impact on amphibians is presented. The technical characteristics of this new technology and the scientific discoveries that are of interest in the study of their effects on wild fauna and amphibians are described. Electromagnetic pollution (in the microwave and in the radiofrequency range) is a possible cause for deformations and decline of some amphibian populations. Keeping in mind that amphibians are reliable bio-indicators, it is of great importance to carry out studies on the effects of this new type of contamination. Finally, some methodologies that could be useful to determine the adverse health effects are proposed.
http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/content/v53686w44787310r/
Cell phone tower radiation may be killing plants and animals
Chandigarh, March 12: Ever wondered where the butterflies, some insects and birds like sparrows have vanished? Well, your constantly ringing cell phones could be responsible for this.
A study conducted by three departments of Panjab University has found that cell phone towers are the dominating source of electromagnetic radiations in environment in the city and this could lead to diseases in plants and animals.
The study was conducted by Centre for Environment and Vocational Studies, Department of Botany and Department of Zoology from December 2005 to September 2006. Dr V P Sharma, Dr R K Kohli, Dr H P Singh, Dr D R Batish and Dr Upma Bagai were involved in the study.
It was found that there are 199 mobile towers in the 52 sectors and industrial areas in the city. Of these, 74 per cent are present in the Southern sectors and the remaining in the northern ones. The measurement of radiations was done at 100 metres, 200 metres and 300 metres with the help of RF Field Strength Meter at heights ground, 4 feet and 5-6 feet level.
Dr Kohli says the electromagnetic radiations generate heat. Due to this, the microorganisms present in the soil near it would be killed. This in turn harms those organisms which feed on them. It disturbs the ecological cycle.
The towers continuously transmit radiations even when nobody is using a cell phone. In the city, the maximum radiation content was found in Sector 46. It was 97,926 micro watt/square metre. The minimum of 564 micro watt/square metre was in Sector 1. Radiations were found to be maximum at 5-6 feet and minimum at ground level.
Prof Kohli says a petition has been filed by a Gujarat-based NGO in the Supreme Court, saying the maximum permissible limit should be less than 10 micro watt/square metre.
Another conclusion of the study is that though the power density of the electromagnetic radiations is less than the recommended safe levels, even at this level, diseases can be induced.
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=226423
Related news:
National Geographic: "Buzz Kill: Wild Bees and Flowers Disappearing, Study Says"
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/07/060721-bee-study.html
State: "Scientists ask: Where are all the bees?":
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/03/State/Scientists_ask__Where.shtml
--- "J. Alan Pounds" wrote:
Art,
Many thanks for your message. Interesting. I'll have to
think about this.
Cheers,
Alan
J. Alan Pounds, Ph. D.
Resident Scientist
Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve
Santa Elena, Puntarenas 5655-73
Costa Rica
(506) 645 5019
goldtoad@racsa.co.cr
on 2/2/06 4:01 AM, Art KAB at emfrefugee@gmail.com wrote:
Dear J. Alan Pounds:
One thing that has gone hand in hand with global warming and the extinction of frogs has been the proliferation of cell phone towers. Where I live in Japan, I have noticed that we cannot find any frogs in areas with high electromagnetic radiation (AKA electrosmog), especially those of the microwave frequencies emitted by cell phone towers.
We find frogs in places that are out of range of cell phones or where there is very little microwave radiation. It might be something that you might want to also look at.
Kind regards,
Art KAB
I was wondering if you have given the idea - that it is actually the electromagnetic radiation from cell phone towers and other sourses of electromagnetic radiation that is killing the frogs throughout the world - any more thought since I last contacted you over a year ago? The following study and article offer additional evidence that this is indeed the case.
Kind regards,
Art KAB
The incidence of electromagnetic pollution on the amphibian decline: Is this an important piece of the puzzle?
A bibliographical review on the possible effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless telecommunications on living organisms and its impact on amphibians is presented. The technical characteristics of this new technology and the scientific discoveries that are of interest in the study of their effects on wild fauna and amphibians are described. Electromagnetic pollution (in the microwave and in the radiofrequency range) is a possible cause for deformations and decline of some amphibian populations. Keeping in mind that amphibians are reliable bio-indicators, it is of great importance to carry out studies on the effects of this new type of contamination. Finally, some methodologies that could be useful to determine the adverse health effects are proposed.
http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/content/v53686w44787310r/
Cell phone tower radiation may be killing plants and animals
Chandigarh, March 12: Ever wondered where the butterflies, some insects and birds like sparrows have vanished? Well, your constantly ringing cell phones could be responsible for this.
A study conducted by three departments of Panjab University has found that cell phone towers are the dominating source of electromagnetic radiations in environment in the city and this could lead to diseases in plants and animals.
The study was conducted by Centre for Environment and Vocational Studies, Department of Botany and Department of Zoology from December 2005 to September 2006. Dr V P Sharma, Dr R K Kohli, Dr H P Singh, Dr D R Batish and Dr Upma Bagai were involved in the study.
It was found that there are 199 mobile towers in the 52 sectors and industrial areas in the city. Of these, 74 per cent are present in the Southern sectors and the remaining in the northern ones. The measurement of radiations was done at 100 metres, 200 metres and 300 metres with the help of RF Field Strength Meter at heights ground, 4 feet and 5-6 feet level.
Dr Kohli says the electromagnetic radiations generate heat. Due to this, the microorganisms present in the soil near it would be killed. This in turn harms those organisms which feed on them. It disturbs the ecological cycle.
The towers continuously transmit radiations even when nobody is using a cell phone. In the city, the maximum radiation content was found in Sector 46. It was 97,926 micro watt/square metre. The minimum of 564 micro watt/square metre was in Sector 1. Radiations were found to be maximum at 5-6 feet and minimum at ground level.
Prof Kohli says a petition has been filed by a Gujarat-based NGO in the Supreme Court, saying the maximum permissible limit should be less than 10 micro watt/square metre.
Another conclusion of the study is that though the power density of the electromagnetic radiations is less than the recommended safe levels, even at this level, diseases can be induced.
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=226423
Related news:
National Geographic: "Buzz Kill: Wild Bees and Flowers Disappearing, Study Says"
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/07/060721-bee-study.html
State: "Scientists ask: Where are all the bees?":
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/03/State/Scientists_ask__Where.shtml
--- "J. Alan Pounds"
Art,
Many thanks for your message. Interesting. I'll have to
think about this.
Cheers,
Alan
J. Alan Pounds, Ph. D.
Resident Scientist
Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve
Santa Elena, Puntarenas 5655-73
Costa Rica
(506) 645 5019
goldtoad@racsa.co.cr
on 2/2/06 4:01 AM, Art KAB at emfrefugee@gmail.com wrote:
Dear J. Alan Pounds:
One thing that has gone hand in hand with global warming and the extinction of frogs has been the proliferation of cell phone towers. Where I live in Japan, I have noticed that we cannot find any frogs in areas with high electromagnetic radiation (AKA electrosmog), especially those of the microwave frequencies emitted by cell phone towers.
We find frogs in places that are out of range of cell phones or where there is very little microwave radiation. It might be something that you might want to also look at.
Kind regards,
Art KAB
The incidence of electromagnetic pollution on the amphibian decline: Is this an important piece of the puzzle?
A bibliographical review on the possible effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless telecommunications on living organisms and its impact on amphibians is presented. The technical characteristics of this new technology and the scientific discoveries that are of interest in the study of their effects on wild fauna and amphibians are described. Electromagnetic pollution (in the microwave and in the radiofrequency range) is a possible cause for deformations and decline of some amphibian populations. Keeping in mind that amphibians are reliable bio-indicators, it is of great importance to carry out studies on the effects of this new type of contamination. Finally, some methodologies that could be useful to determine the adverse health effects are proposed.
http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/content/v53686w44787310r/
http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/content/v53686w44787310r/
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Cell phone tower radiation may be killing plants and animals
Everything is connected!
What is unfortunate is that most people just don't seem to care - they care more about having the convenience of their stupid little cell phones than the fact that the birds and the bees (no pun originally intended) are dying - and that their children will not be able to experience the wonders of nature that they so long took for granted. Wake up from your unconscious cell phone dreamland, people!
paul
Think Critically! Act Deliberately!
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=226423
Chandigarh, March 12: Ever wondered where the butterflies, some insects and birds like sparrows have vanished? Well, your constantly ringing cell phones could be responsible for this.
A study conducted by three departments of Panjab University has found that cell phone towers are the dominating source of electromagnetic radiations in environment in the city and this could lead to diseases in plants and animals.
The study was conducted by Centre for Environment and Vocational Studies, Department of Botany and Department of Zoology from December 2005 to September 2006. Dr V P Sharma, Dr R K Kohli, Dr H P Singh, Dr D R Batish and Dr Upma Bagai were involved in the study.
It was found that there are 199 mobile towers in the 52 sectors and industrial areas in the city. Of these, 74 per cent are present in the Southern sectors and the remaining in the northern ones. The measurement of radiations was done at 100 metres, 200 metres and 300 metres with the help of RF Field Strength Meter at heights ground, 4 feet and 5-6 feet level.
Dr Kohli says the electromagnetic radiations generate heat. Due to this, the microorganisms present in the soil near it would be killed. This in turn harms those organisms which feed on them. It disturbs the ecological cycle.
The towers continuously transmit radiations even when nobody is using a cell phone. In the city, the maximum radiation content was found in Sector 46. It was 97,926 micro watt/square metre. The minimum of 564 micro watt/square metre was in Sector 1. Radiations were found to be maximum at 5-6 feet and minimum at ground level.
Prof Kohli says a petition has been filed by a Gujarat-based NGO in the Supreme Court, saying the maximum permissible limit should be less than 10 micro watt/square metre.
Another conclusion of the study is that though the power density of the electromagnetic radiations is less than the recommended safe levels, even at this level, diseases can be induced.
Related news:
National Geographic: "Buzz Kill: Wild Bees and Flowers Disappearing, Study Says"
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/07/060721-bee-study.html
State: "Scientists ask: Where are all the bees?":
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/03/State/Scientists_ask__Where.shtml
What is unfortunate is that most people just don't seem to care - they care more about having the convenience of their stupid little cell phones than the fact that the birds and the bees (no pun originally intended) are dying - and that their children will not be able to experience the wonders of nature that they so long took for granted. Wake up from your unconscious cell phone dreamland, people!
paul
Think Critically! Act Deliberately!
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=226423
Chandigarh, March 12: Ever wondered where the butterflies, some insects and birds like sparrows have vanished? Well, your constantly ringing cell phones could be responsible for this.
A study conducted by three departments of Panjab University has found that cell phone towers are the dominating source of electromagnetic radiations in environment in the city and this could lead to diseases in plants and animals.
The study was conducted by Centre for Environment and Vocational Studies, Department of Botany and Department of Zoology from December 2005 to September 2006. Dr V P Sharma, Dr R K Kohli, Dr H P Singh, Dr D R Batish and Dr Upma Bagai were involved in the study.
It was found that there are 199 mobile towers in the 52 sectors and industrial areas in the city. Of these, 74 per cent are present in the Southern sectors and the remaining in the northern ones. The measurement of radiations was done at 100 metres, 200 metres and 300 metres with the help of RF Field Strength Meter at heights ground, 4 feet and 5-6 feet level.
Dr Kohli says the electromagnetic radiations generate heat. Due to this, the microorganisms present in the soil near it would be killed. This in turn harms those organisms which feed on them. It disturbs the ecological cycle.
The towers continuously transmit radiations even when nobody is using a cell phone. In the city, the maximum radiation content was found in Sector 46. It was 97,926 micro watt/square metre. The minimum of 564 micro watt/square metre was in Sector 1. Radiations were found to be maximum at 5-6 feet and minimum at ground level.
Prof Kohli says a petition has been filed by a Gujarat-based NGO in the Supreme Court, saying the maximum permissible limit should be less than 10 micro watt/square metre.
Another conclusion of the study is that though the power density of the electromagnetic radiations is less than the recommended safe levels, even at this level, diseases can be induced.
Related news:
National Geographic: "Buzz Kill: Wild Bees and Flowers Disappearing, Study Says"
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/07/060721-bee-study.html
State: "Scientists ask: Where are all the bees?":
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/03/State/Scientists_ask__Where.shtml
Monday, March 12, 2007
GSM base station electromagnetic radiation Reduces Antioxidant Glutathione Significantly
Electromagn Biol Med. 2006;25(3):177-88.
GSM base station electromagnetic radiation and oxidative stress in rats.
Yurekli AI,
Ozkan M ,
Kalkan T ,
Saybasili H ,
Tuncel H ,
Atukeren P ,
Gumustas K ,
Seker S .
Tubitak-Uekae, EMC TEMPEST Test Center, Gebze-Kocaeli, Turkey. yurekli@uekae.tubitak.gov.tr
The ever increasing use of cellular phones and the increasing number of associated base stations are becoming a widespread source of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation. Some biological effects are likely to occur even at low-level EM fields. In this study, a gigahertz transverse electromagnetic (GTEM) cell was used as an exposure environment for plane wave conditions of far-field free space EM field propagation at the GSM base transceiver station (BTS) frequency of 945 MHz, and effects on oxidative stress in rats were investigated. When EM fields at a power density of 3.67 W/m2 (specific absorption rate = 11.3 mW/kg), which is well below current exposure limits, were applied, MDA (malondialdehyde) level was found to increase and GSH (reduced glutathione) concentration was found to decrease significantly (p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was a less significant (p = 0.0190) increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity under EM exposure.
PMID: 16954120 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
GSM base station electromagnetic radiation and oxidative stress in rats.
Yurekli AI,
Ozkan M ,
Kalkan T ,
Saybasili H ,
Tuncel H ,
Atukeren P ,
Gumustas K ,
Seker S .
Tubitak-Uekae, EMC TEMPEST Test Center, Gebze-Kocaeli, Turkey. yurekli@uekae.tubitak.gov.tr
The ever increasing use of cellular phones and the increasing number of associated base stations are becoming a widespread source of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation. Some biological effects are likely to occur even at low-level EM fields. In this study, a gigahertz transverse electromagnetic (GTEM) cell was used as an exposure environment for plane wave conditions of far-field free space EM field propagation at the GSM base transceiver station (BTS) frequency of 945 MHz, and effects on oxidative stress in rats were investigated. When EM fields at a power density of 3.67 W/m2 (specific absorption rate = 11.3 mW/kg), which is well below current exposure limits, were applied, MDA (malondialdehyde) level was found to increase and GSH (reduced glutathione) concentration was found to decrease significantly (p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was a less significant (p = 0.0190) increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity under EM exposure.
PMID: 16954120 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Friday, March 09, 2007
Health effects - of pulsed high-frequency EMFs (microwaves) - include headaches, tiredness, inability to concentrate, and dizziness.
http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20050722_bamberg.asp
News :: 22/07/2005 -
German Doctors unite on RF health effects from masts
Summary:
A number of German doctors are combining together to put forward their observations of adverse health effects from pulsed high-frequency EMFs (microwave) to the Prime Minister of Bavaria, Dr. Edmund Stoiber. The health effects include headaches, tiredness, inability to concentrate and dizziness, and show an alarming trend.
The following is a foreword written by the doctor who is representing the group, Dr. Cornelia Waldmann Selsam:
- Open letter to Edmund Stoiber, Prime Minister of Bavaria in Germany
These reports show that the people for years have been ill due to pulsed high frequency electromagnetic fields, without the treating doctors recognising the cause. For that reason, people who are receiving the high frequency at home or at work have suffered and are suffering and they receive no therapy. The deciding [effective] therapy is to end the exposure.
The continually repeated assertion in the media by the Radiological Protection Commission (Strahlenschutzkommission), that there is no proof for health risks under the present valid limits, has had the consequence that most doctors, (including myself until a year ago) have not drawn a relationship between the many unexplained illness patterns and high frequency radiation. The doctors do not know that at not one single mobile phone base station have investigations into the health-state of the people been carried out. Thus, the evaluation of the Strahlenschutzkommission in 2001 has no scientific basis.
In Oberfranken, we have just evaluated the medical complaints of 356 people who have had long-term [radiation] exposure in their homes.
The pulsed high frequency electro magnetic fields (from mobile phone base stations, from cable-less DECT telephones, amongst others), led to a new, previously unknown pattern of illnesses with a characteristic symptom complex.
People suffer from one, several or many of the following symptoms: Sleep disturbances, tiredness, disturbance in concentration, forgetfulness, problem with finding words, depressive mood, ear noises, sudden loss of hearing, hearing loss, giddiness, nose bleeds, visual disturbances, frequent infections, sinusitis, joint and limb pains, nerve and soft tissue pains, feeling of numbness, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure episodes, hormonal disturbances, night-time sweats, nausea.
Even at 10µW/m2 (only 0.06 V/m average) many people are becoming ill.
The symptoms occur in temporal and spatial relationship to exposure. It is no way only a subjective sensitivity disturbance. Disturbances of rhythm, hearing problems, sudden deafness, hearing loss, loss of vision, increased blood pressure, hormonal disturbances, concentration impairments, and others can be proved using scientific objective measures.
Some of the health disturbance disappears immediately the exposure ceases (removal of DECT telephone, temporary moving away from home, permanently moving away, using shielding).
Therefore, the expansion must be stopped immediately. Mobile phone base stations, in whose fields people are exposed to more than 10µW/m2 must be turned off.
DECT telephones must be changed.
Affected people, relatives and doctors must jointly commit themselves and work together with all their energy [to this end].
Evaluation of symptoms of 356 people under long time home exposure to high frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (DECT,telephones, mobile phone base stations) versus the level of the power flux density in microwatts per square metre.
Foreword - Documented Health Damage under the Influence of High Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
Dr. Cornelia Waldmann Selsam, Karl-May-Str.48, 96049 Bamberg
The results of the evaluations are as follows: (* See below the graph for the definitions of the "Symptom Groups")
It is worth explaining the indicated levels. The values convert approximately as follows:
10 µW/m2 = 0.06 V/m average
100 µW/m2 = 0.2 V/m average
1000 µW/m2 = 0.6 V/m average
* The symptom groups are defined as follows:
Group 1: No symptoms
Group 2: Sleep disturbance, tiredness, depressive mood
Group 3: Headaches, restlessness, dazed state, irritability, disturbance of concentration, forgetfulness, learning difficulties, difficulty finding words.
Group 4: Frequent infections, sinusitis, lymph node swellings, joint and limb pains, nerve and soft tissue pains, numbness or tingling, allergies
Group 5: Tinnitus, hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, giddiness, impaired balance, visual disturbances, eye inflammation, dry eyes
Group 6: Tachycardia, episodic hypertension, collapse
Group 7: Other symptoms (Hormonal disturbances, thyroid disease, night sweats, frequent urge to urinate, weight increase, nausea, loss of appetite, nose bleeds, skin complaints, tumours, diabetes)
If true, this is a very clear trend. For those where it is under 10 µW/m2 70% of the sample (37 people) suffered no adverse health effects. For those where the power flux density is over 100 µW/m2 only 5-6% of the sample (172 people) did not experience adverse health effects. Please look at this graph to see how these levels translate to exposure from a typical mast. Microwave signals are often above 0.6 V/m within 400 metres! There are no counfounding factors listed in the data, but the strength of the trend is extremely pronounced.
This is further evidence to support the potential adverse health effects that may be synonymous with the pulsed Microwave technology that surround us in everyday life. Those in the medical profession are beginning to voice their concerns, and it is worth bearing in mind that they have first hand experience of real people with real problems. It is important not to discard this evidence due to lack of experimental control, as it seems that a number of qualified professionals have independently found the same trends. At the very least this should call for more organised research into these findings.
http://www.tetrawatch.net/links/links.php?id=stoiberlet
Open letter to Edmund Stoiber, president of the federal state of Bavaria, Germany
Dr Edmund Stoiber
State Chancelry
PO Box 220011
80535 Munich
Urgent suspicions of serious health damage from pulsed high frequency electromagnetic fields (mobile phone base stations, DECT phones, W-LAN, Bluetooth etc.) at levels below exposure guidelines.
Dear Prime Minister,
Allow me to represent many doctors personally to you.
For eight months doctors in Oberfranken and another places have been making extremely worrying observations of patients, who live in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations. After initial suspicions at locations in Forchheim, Hirschaid, Walsdorf, Memmelsdorf and Bamberg survey measurements were made of 356 such residents in 40 locations, all in Oberfranken. Meanwhile 64 Hofer doctors, 30 Lichtenfelser, 61 Coburger, 20 from Bayreuth and countrywide, added their names to the Bamberger appeal.
The result all these medical findings is as follows.
Many people have become ill with a characteristic combination of symptoms, which is new to us as doctors, at exposure levels far below the guideline limits, which apply only to thermal effects. Residents in the vicinity of masts have one or more of the following symptoms:
Sleep disturbance, tiredness, headache, restlessness, lethargy, irritability, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, trouble finding words, depressive tendency, noises in the ears, impaired hearing, dizziness, nosebleeds, visual disturbances, frequent infections, sinusitis, joint and muscle pains, feeling deaf, palpitations, increased blood pressure, hormone disturbances, gaining weight, hair loss, nocturnal sweating, nausea.
The following statements strengthened our suspicions:
Frequently, many residents become sick with these symptoms at the same time, when living near a base station
(e.g. Schweinfurt: Eselshöhe, in Kulmbach: Senioren-Wohnanlage Mainpark, in Hof: Kösseinestraße, in Forchheim: Ortsteil Burk).
Many patients have reported rapid recovery when removed from exposure (by temporary relocation, removal of the source, screening, disconnection).
After relocation, doctors have proven during re-examination of the patients, among other things, that blood pressure, heart rhythm, hormone disturbances, visual disturbances, neurological symptoms, and blood profile have returned to normal.
Many doctors' families have in the course of the last months removed their DECT phones and were thereafter free among other things from headache, concentration disturbances, dizziness, restlessness, tinnitus, and sleep disturbance.
We therefore requested the responsible authorities (Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Conservation and Nuclear Safety, members of the Radiation Protection Commission and the WHO) to organise local health surveys. Despite the serious, medical concern, all the authorities have refused to investigate the (to some degree) intolerable living conditions of those living locally.
Not one official health survey has been made at any base station in Germany! The SSK and the BfS have thus no level of knowledge concerning the long-term effects on resident living in the vicinity. From a medical viewpoint is this unacceptable.
I therefore turn to you to request your assistance for our patients who have no other recourse. We doctors from Oberfranken are ready to help. We urge you to immediately arrange local health surveys among people in the vicinity of base stations, at locations in Bavaria. Our concern is not that there are 'unfortunate individual cases', but that there is a medical disaster spreading to all parts of the population! To investigate our concerns, it must also be possible to switch transmitters off. From a medical viewpoint, we are seeing an emergency situation, which requires rapid action by all political means.
I implore you to take action to avoid health damage among many children, young people and adults.
Faithfully
Dr. Cornelia Waldmann Selsam
Karl-May-Str.48
96049 Bamberg
Tel:0951-12300 Fax:0951-2972506
Mail:peter.selsam@tonline.de
News :: 22/07/2005 -
German Doctors unite on RF health effects from masts
Summary:
A number of German doctors are combining together to put forward their observations of adverse health effects from pulsed high-frequency EMFs (microwave) to the Prime Minister of Bavaria, Dr. Edmund Stoiber. The health effects include headaches, tiredness, inability to concentrate and dizziness, and show an alarming trend.
The following is a foreword written by the doctor who is representing the group, Dr. Cornelia Waldmann Selsam:
- Open letter to Edmund Stoiber, Prime Minister of Bavaria in Germany
These reports show that the people for years have been ill due to pulsed high frequency electromagnetic fields, without the treating doctors recognising the cause. For that reason, people who are receiving the high frequency at home or at work have suffered and are suffering and they receive no therapy. The deciding [effective] therapy is to end the exposure.
The continually repeated assertion in the media by the Radiological Protection Commission (Strahlenschutzkommission), that there is no proof for health risks under the present valid limits, has had the consequence that most doctors, (including myself until a year ago) have not drawn a relationship between the many unexplained illness patterns and high frequency radiation. The doctors do not know that at not one single mobile phone base station have investigations into the health-state of the people been carried out. Thus, the evaluation of the Strahlenschutzkommission in 2001 has no scientific basis.
In Oberfranken, we have just evaluated the medical complaints of 356 people who have had long-term [radiation] exposure in their homes.
The pulsed high frequency electro magnetic fields (from mobile phone base stations, from cable-less DECT telephones, amongst others), led to a new, previously unknown pattern of illnesses with a characteristic symptom complex.
People suffer from one, several or many of the following symptoms: Sleep disturbances, tiredness, disturbance in concentration, forgetfulness, problem with finding words, depressive mood, ear noises, sudden loss of hearing, hearing loss, giddiness, nose bleeds, visual disturbances, frequent infections, sinusitis, joint and limb pains, nerve and soft tissue pains, feeling of numbness, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure episodes, hormonal disturbances, night-time sweats, nausea.
Even at 10µW/m2 (only 0.06 V/m average) many people are becoming ill.
The symptoms occur in temporal and spatial relationship to exposure. It is no way only a subjective sensitivity disturbance. Disturbances of rhythm, hearing problems, sudden deafness, hearing loss, loss of vision, increased blood pressure, hormonal disturbances, concentration impairments, and others can be proved using scientific objective measures.
Some of the health disturbance disappears immediately the exposure ceases (removal of DECT telephone, temporary moving away from home, permanently moving away, using shielding).
Therefore, the expansion must be stopped immediately. Mobile phone base stations, in whose fields people are exposed to more than 10µW/m2 must be turned off.
DECT telephones must be changed.
Affected people, relatives and doctors must jointly commit themselves and work together with all their energy [to this end].
Evaluation of symptoms of 356 people under long time home exposure to high frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (DECT,telephones, mobile phone base stations) versus the level of the power flux density in microwatts per square metre.
Foreword - Documented Health Damage under the Influence of High Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
Dr. Cornelia Waldmann Selsam, Karl-May-Str.48, 96049 Bamberg
The results of the evaluations are as follows: (* See below the graph for the definitions of the "Symptom Groups")
It is worth explaining the indicated levels. The values convert approximately as follows:
10 µW/m2 = 0.06 V/m average
100 µW/m2 = 0.2 V/m average
1000 µW/m2 = 0.6 V/m average
* The symptom groups are defined as follows:
Group 1: No symptoms
Group 2: Sleep disturbance, tiredness, depressive mood
Group 3: Headaches, restlessness, dazed state, irritability, disturbance of concentration, forgetfulness, learning difficulties, difficulty finding words.
Group 4: Frequent infections, sinusitis, lymph node swellings, joint and limb pains, nerve and soft tissue pains, numbness or tingling, allergies
Group 5: Tinnitus, hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, giddiness, impaired balance, visual disturbances, eye inflammation, dry eyes
Group 6: Tachycardia, episodic hypertension, collapse
Group 7: Other symptoms (Hormonal disturbances, thyroid disease, night sweats, frequent urge to urinate, weight increase, nausea, loss of appetite, nose bleeds, skin complaints, tumours, diabetes)
If true, this is a very clear trend. For those where it is under 10 µW/m2 70% of the sample (37 people) suffered no adverse health effects. For those where the power flux density is over 100 µW/m2 only 5-6% of the sample (172 people) did not experience adverse health effects. Please look at this graph to see how these levels translate to exposure from a typical mast. Microwave signals are often above 0.6 V/m within 400 metres! There are no counfounding factors listed in the data, but the strength of the trend is extremely pronounced.
This is further evidence to support the potential adverse health effects that may be synonymous with the pulsed Microwave technology that surround us in everyday life. Those in the medical profession are beginning to voice their concerns, and it is worth bearing in mind that they have first hand experience of real people with real problems. It is important not to discard this evidence due to lack of experimental control, as it seems that a number of qualified professionals have independently found the same trends. At the very least this should call for more organised research into these findings.
http://www.tetrawatch.net/links/links.php?id=stoiberlet
Open letter to Edmund Stoiber, president of the federal state of Bavaria, Germany
Dr Edmund Stoiber
State Chancelry
PO Box 220011
80535 Munich
Urgent suspicions of serious health damage from pulsed high frequency electromagnetic fields (mobile phone base stations, DECT phones, W-LAN, Bluetooth etc.) at levels below exposure guidelines.
Dear Prime Minister,
Allow me to represent many doctors personally to you.
For eight months doctors in Oberfranken and another places have been making extremely worrying observations of patients, who live in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations. After initial suspicions at locations in Forchheim, Hirschaid, Walsdorf, Memmelsdorf and Bamberg survey measurements were made of 356 such residents in 40 locations, all in Oberfranken. Meanwhile 64 Hofer doctors, 30 Lichtenfelser, 61 Coburger, 20 from Bayreuth and countrywide, added their names to the Bamberger appeal.
The result all these medical findings is as follows.
Many people have become ill with a characteristic combination of symptoms, which is new to us as doctors, at exposure levels far below the guideline limits, which apply only to thermal effects. Residents in the vicinity of masts have one or more of the following symptoms:
Sleep disturbance, tiredness, headache, restlessness, lethargy, irritability, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, trouble finding words, depressive tendency, noises in the ears, impaired hearing, dizziness, nosebleeds, visual disturbances, frequent infections, sinusitis, joint and muscle pains, feeling deaf, palpitations, increased blood pressure, hormone disturbances, gaining weight, hair loss, nocturnal sweating, nausea.
The following statements strengthened our suspicions:
Frequently, many residents become sick with these symptoms at the same time, when living near a base station
(e.g. Schweinfurt: Eselshöhe, in Kulmbach: Senioren-Wohnanlage Mainpark, in Hof: Kösseinestraße, in Forchheim: Ortsteil Burk).
Many patients have reported rapid recovery when removed from exposure (by temporary relocation, removal of the source, screening, disconnection).
After relocation, doctors have proven during re-examination of the patients, among other things, that blood pressure, heart rhythm, hormone disturbances, visual disturbances, neurological symptoms, and blood profile have returned to normal.
Many doctors' families have in the course of the last months removed their DECT phones and were thereafter free among other things from headache, concentration disturbances, dizziness, restlessness, tinnitus, and sleep disturbance.
We therefore requested the responsible authorities (Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Conservation and Nuclear Safety, members of the Radiation Protection Commission and the WHO) to organise local health surveys. Despite the serious, medical concern, all the authorities have refused to investigate the (to some degree) intolerable living conditions of those living locally.
Not one official health survey has been made at any base station in Germany! The SSK and the BfS have thus no level of knowledge concerning the long-term effects on resident living in the vicinity. From a medical viewpoint is this unacceptable.
I therefore turn to you to request your assistance for our patients who have no other recourse. We doctors from Oberfranken are ready to help. We urge you to immediately arrange local health surveys among people in the vicinity of base stations, at locations in Bavaria. Our concern is not that there are 'unfortunate individual cases', but that there is a medical disaster spreading to all parts of the population! To investigate our concerns, it must also be possible to switch transmitters off. From a medical viewpoint, we are seeing an emergency situation, which requires rapid action by all political means.
I implore you to take action to avoid health damage among many children, young people and adults.
Faithfully
Dr. Cornelia Waldmann Selsam
Karl-May-Str.48
96049 Bamberg
Tel:0951-12300 Fax:0951-2972506
Mail:peter.selsam@tonline.de
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Microwave exposure decreases brain hormone Norepinephrine. Decrease in Norepinephrine linked to Autonomic Nervous System Disorder, Memory Disturbances
Microwave exposure has been shown to induce a decrease in levels of the brain hormone norepinephrine (Takahashi et al 1994).
J Auton Nerv Syst. 1994 Aug;48(3):213-9. Links
Aspects of hypothalamic neuronal systems in VMH lesion-induced obese rats.
Takahashi A,
Ishimaru H,
Ikarashi Y,
Maruyama Y.
Department of Neuropsychopharmacology (Tsumura), Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan.
To clarify neuronal disturbance in the hypothalamus reflecting the development of obesity in ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH)-lesioned rats, we investigated the contents of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus after pretreatment by microwave irradiation , contents of neurotransmitter metabolites in third ventricle fluid and catecholamine contents in the adrenal gland. The hypothalamic contents of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were selectively decreased , but acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5-HT) levels were not changed from those in controls. In the lateral part of the hypothalamus, also, a significant decrease of NE content was detected. On the other hand, NE and DA metabolites, MHPG, DOPAC and HVA were increased in the third ventricle fluid in VMH lesion-induced obese rats. Wet weight and content of epinephrine in the adrenal gland were decreased, though the content of NE was preserved. These results indicate that a disturbance of NE and DA neurons in the hypothalamus is involved in the development of VMH lesion-induced obesity. In addition, an increment of the activities of NE and DA systems in the central nervous system as a whole and some irregularity in the sympatho-adrenal system might contribute to VMH obesity .
This hormone is essential for control of the autonomic nervous system, and lack of it can lead to autonomic nervous system disorders. For example, if the autonomic nervous system is not working properly, the body will have trouble regulating its temperature - i.e. cooling itself when it is warm and heating itself when it is cold (Gandhi & Ross 1987).
1: Radiat Res. 1987 Jan;109(1):90-9. Links
Alterations in alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding in rat brain following nonionizing radiation.
Gandhi VC,
Ross DH.
Microwave radiation produces hyperthermia. The mammalian thermoregulatory system defends against changes in temperature by mobilizing diverse control mechanisms. Neurotransmitters play a major role in eliciting thermoregulatory responses. The involvement of adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors was investigated in radiation-induced hyperthermia. Rats were subjected to radiation at 700 MHz frequency and 15 mW/cm2 power density and the body temperature was raised by 2.5 degrees C. Of six brain regions investigated only the hypothalamus showed significant changes in receptor states, confirming its pivotal role in thermoregulation. Adrenergic receptors, studied by [3H]clonidine binding, showed a 36% decrease in binding following radiation after a 2.5 degrees C increase in body temperature, suggesting a mechanism to facilitate norepinephrine release. Norepinephrine may be speculated to maintain thermal homeostasis by activating heat dissipation. Muscarinic cholinergic receptors, studied by [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding, showed a 65% increase in binding at the onset of radiation. This may be attributed to the release of acetylcholine in the hypothalamus in response to heat cumulation. The continued elevated binding during the period of cooling after radiation was shut off may suggest the existence of an extra-hypothalamic heat-loss pathway.
This could lead to feeling colder than one would normally when it is cold and feeling warmer than one would normally when it is warm (Way et al 1981).
Bioelectromagnetics. 1981;2(4):341-56. Links
Thermoregulatory physiologic responses in the human body exposed to microwave radiation.
Way WI,
Kritikos H,
Schwan H.
By introduction of an additional compartment in the hypothalamic region Stolwijk's thermoregulatory model has been modified to consider partial heating due to hot spots induced by microwaves. It was found that because of thermoregulatory action, the temperature of the hypothalamus will not increase drastically until the rate of energy deposition exceeds the threshold level of about 50 mW/g. The primary controlling mechanisms are blood flow and sweating. For an energy deposition rate of 10 mW/g in the hypothalamus the increase in blood flow in the skin is negligible and the temperature rise of the hypothalamus as compared with blood temperature is about 0.5 degrees C. It was found that exposure of the head to electromagnetic radiation, in general, causes a decrease in temperature of the trunk and skin. The results show that while the deposition of energy in the hypothalamus at the rate of 10 mW/g produced significant conductive and convective effects, the same total energy uniformly distributed over the cranial cavity produces less significant effects.
An abnormal decrease in norepinephrine levels has also been connected to short-term memory disturbances (Clinton et al 2006),
Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Jan;183(4):404-12. Epub 2005 Nov 24. Links
Desipramine attenuates working memory impairments induced by partial loss of catecholamines in the rat medial prefrontal cortex.
Clinton SM,
Sucharski IL,
Finlay JM.
Mental Health Research Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
RATIONALE: The density of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR) axons in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic subjects may be reduced by as much as 50% in the deep cortical layers (Am J Psychiatry 156:1580-1589, 1999). Previously, we demonstrated that approximately 60% loss of TH-IR axons in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) decreases local basal and stress-evoked extracellular dopamine (DA) concentrations, suggesting that moderate loss of DA axons in the mPFC is sufficient to alter the neurochemical activity of the remaining DA neurons (Neuroscience 93:497-505, 1999). OBJECTIVES: To further assess the functional consequences of partial mPFC DA depletion, we examined the effects of 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the rat mPFC on behavior in a T-maze delayed-response task. We also assessed whether chronic administration of the norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor, desipramine (DMI), attenuates lesion-induced deficits in T-maze performance. Previous research indicates that inhibition of NE transport in the mPFC results in a concomitant increase in extracellular DA and NE. RESULTS: Moderate loss of mPFC DA and NE (approximately 50 and 10% loss, respectively) was sufficient to impair delayed-response behavior, in part due to an increase in perseverative responding. Chronic DMI treatment (3 mg/kg delivered via osmotic pumps) impaired performance of control rats but attenuated the deficits in delayed-response behavior in rats previously sustaining loss of mPFC DA and NE (approximately 75 and 35% loss, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that moderate loss of DA and NE in the prefrontal cortex is sufficient to impair cognitive function, and these behavioral effects are attenuated by inhibition of the NE transporter.
ADHD (Arnsten & Li 2005)
Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Jun 1;57(11):1377-84. Links
Neurobiology of executive functions: catecholamine influences on prefrontal cortical functions.
Arnsten AF,
Li BM.
Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA. amy.arnsten@yale.edu
The prefrontal cortex guides behaviors, thoughts, and feelings using representational knowledge, i.e., working memory. These fundamental cognitive abilities subserve the so-called executive functions: the ability to inhibit inappropriate behaviors and thoughts, regulate our attention, monitor our actions, and plan and organize for the future. Neuropsychological and imaging studies indicate that these prefrontal cortex functions are weaker in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and contribute substantially to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomology . Research in animals indicates that the prefrontal cortex is very sensitive to its neurochemical environment and that small changes in catecholamine modulation of prefrontal cortex cells can have profound effects on the ability of the prefrontal cortex to guide behavior. Optimal levels of norepinephrine acting at postsynaptic alpha-2A-adrenoceptors and dopamine acting at D1 receptors are essential to prefrontal cortex function. Blockade of norepinephrine alpha-2-adrenoceptors in prefrontal cortex markedly impairs prefrontal cortex function and mimics most of the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, including impulsivity and locomotor hyperactivity. Conversely, stimulation of alpha-2-adrenoceptors in prefrontal cortex strengthens prefrontal cortex regulation of behavior and reduces distractibility. Most effective treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder facilitate catecholamine transmission and likely have their therapeutic actions by optimizing catecholamine actions in prefrontal cortex.
PMID: 15950011 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
and depression (Meyer et al 2006; Charney 1988).
1: J Clin Psychiatry. 1998;59 Suppl 14:11-4. Links
Monoamine dysfunction and the pathophysiology and treatment of depression.
Charney DS.
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn 06519, USA.
Alterations in noradrenergic and serotonergic function in the central nervous system (CNS) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs. Based on changes in norepinephrine and serotonin metabolism in the CNS, it has been postulated that subgroups of patients with differential responses to norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors may exist. Alpha-methylparatyrosine (AMPT), which causes rapid depletion of brain catecholamines, has been used as a noradrenergic probe to test the hypothesis that changes in neurotransmission through the catecholamine system may underlie the therapeutic response to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Brain serotonin is dependent on plasma levels of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Rapid tryptophan depletion, in the form of a tryptophan-free amino acid drink, has been used as a serotonergic probe to identify therapeutically responsive subsets of patients. Using these probes, we have recently examined the behavioral effects of reduced concentrations of brain monoamines on depressed patients treated with a variety of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or the relatively norepinephrine-selective antidepressant desipramine, during 3 different states: drug-free and depressed; in remission on antidepressant drugs; and drug-free in remission. The results of a series of investigations confirm the importance of monoamines in the mediation of depressed mood, but also suggest that other brain neural systems may have more of a primary role than previously thought in the pathophysiology of depression. Noradrenergic and serotonergic probes may be used in time to identify subsets of depressed patients to determine which patients might respond differentially to the new selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.
1: Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;63(11):1209-16. Links
Elevated monoamine oxidase a levels in the brain: an explanation for the monoamine imbalance of major depression.
Meyer JH,
Ginovart N,
Boovariwala A,
Sagrati S,
Hussey D,
Garcia A,
Young T,
Praschak-Rieder N,
Wilson AA,
Houle S.
Vivian M. Rakoff PET Imaging Centre and Mood and Anxiety Disorders Division, Clarke Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jeff.meyer@camhpet.ca
CONTEXT: The monoamine theory of depression proposes that monoamine levels are lowered, but there is no explanation for how monoamine loss occurs. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that metabolizes monoamines, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether MAO-A levels in the brain are elevated during untreated depression. SETTING: Tertiary care psychiatric hospital. PATIENTS: Seventeen healthy and 17 depressed individuals with major depressive disorder that met entry criteria were recruited from the care of general practitioners and psychiatrists. All study participants were otherwise healthy and nonsmoking. Depressed individuals had been medication free for at least 5 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Harmine labeled with carbon 11, a radioligand selective for MAO-A and positron emission tomography, was used to measure MAO-A DVS (specific distribution volume), an index of MAO-A density, in different brain regions (prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, caudate, putamen, thalamus, anterior temporal cortex, midbrain, hippocampus, and parahippocampus). RESULTS: The MAO-A DVS was highly significantly elevated in every brain region assessed (t test; P=.001 to 3x10(-7)). The MAO-A DVS was elevated on average by 34% (2 SDs) throughout the brain during major depression. CONCLUSIONS: The sizable magnitude of this finding and the absence of other compelling explanations for monoamine loss during major depressive episodes led to the conclusion that elevated MAO-A density is the primary monoamine-lowering process during major depression.
J Auton Nerv Syst. 1994 Aug;48(3):213-9. Links
Aspects of hypothalamic neuronal systems in VMH lesion-induced obese rats.
Takahashi A,
Ishimaru H,
Ikarashi Y,
Maruyama Y.
Department of Neuropsychopharmacology (Tsumura), Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan.
To clarify neuronal disturbance in the hypothalamus reflecting the development of obesity in ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH)-lesioned rats, we investigated the contents of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus after pretreatment by microwave irradiation , contents of neurotransmitter metabolites in third ventricle fluid and catecholamine contents in the adrenal gland. The hypothalamic contents of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were selectively decreased , but acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5-HT) levels were not changed from those in controls. In the lateral part of the hypothalamus, also, a significant decrease of NE content was detected. On the other hand, NE and DA metabolites, MHPG, DOPAC and HVA were increased in the third ventricle fluid in VMH lesion-induced obese rats. Wet weight and content of epinephrine in the adrenal gland were decreased, though the content of NE was preserved. These results indicate that a disturbance of NE and DA neurons in the hypothalamus is involved in the development of VMH lesion-induced obesity. In addition, an increment of the activities of NE and DA systems in the central nervous system as a whole and some irregularity in the sympatho-adrenal system might contribute to VMH obesity .
This hormone is essential for control of the autonomic nervous system, and lack of it can lead to autonomic nervous system disorders. For example, if the autonomic nervous system is not working properly, the body will have trouble regulating its temperature - i.e. cooling itself when it is warm and heating itself when it is cold (Gandhi & Ross 1987).
1: Radiat Res. 1987 Jan;109(1):90-9. Links
Alterations in alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding in rat brain following nonionizing radiation.
Gandhi VC,
Ross DH.
Microwave radiation produces hyperthermia. The mammalian thermoregulatory system defends against changes in temperature by mobilizing diverse control mechanisms. Neurotransmitters play a major role in eliciting thermoregulatory responses. The involvement of adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors was investigated in radiation-induced hyperthermia. Rats were subjected to radiation at 700 MHz frequency and 15 mW/cm2 power density and the body temperature was raised by 2.5 degrees C. Of six brain regions investigated only the hypothalamus showed significant changes in receptor states, confirming its pivotal role in thermoregulation. Adrenergic receptors, studied by [3H]clonidine binding, showed a 36% decrease in binding following radiation after a 2.5 degrees C increase in body temperature, suggesting a mechanism to facilitate norepinephrine release. Norepinephrine may be speculated to maintain thermal homeostasis by activating heat dissipation. Muscarinic cholinergic receptors, studied by [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding, showed a 65% increase in binding at the onset of radiation. This may be attributed to the release of acetylcholine in the hypothalamus in response to heat cumulation. The continued elevated binding during the period of cooling after radiation was shut off may suggest the existence of an extra-hypothalamic heat-loss pathway.
This could lead to feeling colder than one would normally when it is cold and feeling warmer than one would normally when it is warm (Way et al 1981).
Bioelectromagnetics. 1981;2(4):341-56. Links
Thermoregulatory physiologic responses in the human body exposed to microwave radiation.
Way WI,
Kritikos H,
Schwan H.
By introduction of an additional compartment in the hypothalamic region Stolwijk's thermoregulatory model has been modified to consider partial heating due to hot spots induced by microwaves. It was found that because of thermoregulatory action, the temperature of the hypothalamus will not increase drastically until the rate of energy deposition exceeds the threshold level of about 50 mW/g. The primary controlling mechanisms are blood flow and sweating. For an energy deposition rate of 10 mW/g in the hypothalamus the increase in blood flow in the skin is negligible and the temperature rise of the hypothalamus as compared with blood temperature is about 0.5 degrees C. It was found that exposure of the head to electromagnetic radiation, in general, causes a decrease in temperature of the trunk and skin. The results show that while the deposition of energy in the hypothalamus at the rate of 10 mW/g produced significant conductive and convective effects, the same total energy uniformly distributed over the cranial cavity produces less significant effects.
An abnormal decrease in norepinephrine levels has also been connected to short-term memory disturbances (Clinton et al 2006),
Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Jan;183(4):404-12. Epub 2005 Nov 24. Links
Desipramine attenuates working memory impairments induced by partial loss of catecholamines in the rat medial prefrontal cortex.
Clinton SM,
Sucharski IL,
Finlay JM.
Mental Health Research Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
RATIONALE: The density of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR) axons in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic subjects may be reduced by as much as 50% in the deep cortical layers (Am J Psychiatry 156:1580-1589, 1999). Previously, we demonstrated that approximately 60% loss of TH-IR axons in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) decreases local basal and stress-evoked extracellular dopamine (DA) concentrations, suggesting that moderate loss of DA axons in the mPFC is sufficient to alter the neurochemical activity of the remaining DA neurons (Neuroscience 93:497-505, 1999). OBJECTIVES: To further assess the functional consequences of partial mPFC DA depletion, we examined the effects of 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the rat mPFC on behavior in a T-maze delayed-response task. We also assessed whether chronic administration of the norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor, desipramine (DMI), attenuates lesion-induced deficits in T-maze performance. Previous research indicates that inhibition of NE transport in the mPFC results in a concomitant increase in extracellular DA and NE. RESULTS: Moderate loss of mPFC DA and NE (approximately 50 and 10% loss, respectively) was sufficient to impair delayed-response behavior, in part due to an increase in perseverative responding. Chronic DMI treatment (3 mg/kg delivered via osmotic pumps) impaired performance of control rats but attenuated the deficits in delayed-response behavior in rats previously sustaining loss of mPFC DA and NE (approximately 75 and 35% loss, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that moderate loss of DA and NE in the prefrontal cortex is sufficient to impair cognitive function, and these behavioral effects are attenuated by inhibition of the NE transporter.
ADHD (Arnsten & Li 2005)
Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Jun 1;57(11):1377-84. Links
Neurobiology of executive functions: catecholamine influences on prefrontal cortical functions.
Arnsten AF,
Li BM.
Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA. amy.arnsten@yale.edu
The prefrontal cortex guides behaviors, thoughts, and feelings using representational knowledge, i.e., working memory. These fundamental cognitive abilities subserve the so-called executive functions: the ability to inhibit inappropriate behaviors and thoughts, regulate our attention, monitor our actions, and plan and organize for the future. Neuropsychological and imaging studies indicate that these prefrontal cortex functions are weaker in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and contribute substantially to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomology . Research in animals indicates that the prefrontal cortex is very sensitive to its neurochemical environment and that small changes in catecholamine modulation of prefrontal cortex cells can have profound effects on the ability of the prefrontal cortex to guide behavior. Optimal levels of norepinephrine acting at postsynaptic alpha-2A-adrenoceptors and dopamine acting at D1 receptors are essential to prefrontal cortex function. Blockade of norepinephrine alpha-2-adrenoceptors in prefrontal cortex markedly impairs prefrontal cortex function and mimics most of the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, including impulsivity and locomotor hyperactivity. Conversely, stimulation of alpha-2-adrenoceptors in prefrontal cortex strengthens prefrontal cortex regulation of behavior and reduces distractibility. Most effective treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder facilitate catecholamine transmission and likely have their therapeutic actions by optimizing catecholamine actions in prefrontal cortex.
PMID: 15950011 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
and depression (Meyer et al 2006; Charney 1988).
1: J Clin Psychiatry. 1998;59 Suppl 14:11-4. Links
Monoamine dysfunction and the pathophysiology and treatment of depression.
Charney DS.
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn 06519, USA.
Alterations in noradrenergic and serotonergic function in the central nervous system (CNS) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs. Based on changes in norepinephrine and serotonin metabolism in the CNS, it has been postulated that subgroups of patients with differential responses to norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors may exist. Alpha-methylparatyrosine (AMPT), which causes rapid depletion of brain catecholamines, has been used as a noradrenergic probe to test the hypothesis that changes in neurotransmission through the catecholamine system may underlie the therapeutic response to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Brain serotonin is dependent on plasma levels of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Rapid tryptophan depletion, in the form of a tryptophan-free amino acid drink, has been used as a serotonergic probe to identify therapeutically responsive subsets of patients. Using these probes, we have recently examined the behavioral effects of reduced concentrations of brain monoamines on depressed patients treated with a variety of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or the relatively norepinephrine-selective antidepressant desipramine, during 3 different states: drug-free and depressed; in remission on antidepressant drugs; and drug-free in remission. The results of a series of investigations confirm the importance of monoamines in the mediation of depressed mood, but also suggest that other brain neural systems may have more of a primary role than previously thought in the pathophysiology of depression. Noradrenergic and serotonergic probes may be used in time to identify subsets of depressed patients to determine which patients might respond differentially to the new selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.
1: Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;63(11):1209-16. Links
Elevated monoamine oxidase a levels in the brain: an explanation for the monoamine imbalance of major depression.
Meyer JH,
Ginovart N,
Boovariwala A,
Sagrati S,
Hussey D,
Garcia A,
Young T,
Praschak-Rieder N,
Wilson AA,
Houle S.
Vivian M. Rakoff PET Imaging Centre and Mood and Anxiety Disorders Division, Clarke Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jeff.meyer@camhpet.ca
CONTEXT: The monoamine theory of depression proposes that monoamine levels are lowered, but there is no explanation for how monoamine loss occurs. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that metabolizes monoamines, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether MAO-A levels in the brain are elevated during untreated depression. SETTING: Tertiary care psychiatric hospital. PATIENTS: Seventeen healthy and 17 depressed individuals with major depressive disorder that met entry criteria were recruited from the care of general practitioners and psychiatrists. All study participants were otherwise healthy and nonsmoking. Depressed individuals had been medication free for at least 5 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Harmine labeled with carbon 11, a radioligand selective for MAO-A and positron emission tomography, was used to measure MAO-A DVS (specific distribution volume), an index of MAO-A density, in different brain regions (prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, caudate, putamen, thalamus, anterior temporal cortex, midbrain, hippocampus, and parahippocampus). RESULTS: The MAO-A DVS was highly significantly elevated in every brain region assessed (t test; P=.001 to 3x10(-7)). The MAO-A DVS was elevated on average by 34% (2 SDs) throughout the brain during major depression. CONCLUSIONS: The sizable magnitude of this finding and the absence of other compelling explanations for monoamine loss during major depressive episodes led to the conclusion that elevated MAO-A density is the primary monoamine-lowering process during major depression.
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