A continuous electromagnetic radiation exposure affected the expressions of Clock and fvii genes in mice

Abstract

The exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) would increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Central nervous system, especially the suprachiasmatic nucleus in hypothalamus, is a sensitive target of EMR. Clock is a main circadian gene which plays an important role in the circadian system, while factor VII (FVII) plays a central role in the coagulation cascade in the cardiovascular system. To investigate the effect of a continuous EMR exposure on the circadian and cardiovascular systems, we had mature Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice exposed to EMR of different power densities. The intake of food and water, the physiological signs, and the motor activity were monitored to have no significant difference. And their expressions of Clock and fvii genes were detected. Our study showed that a series of EMR exposure to ICR mice would have some key gene expression changed without visible changes in physiological signs and activities. We assume that Clock gene could only regulate fvii gene of some specific organ when the exposure to EMR in a certain range of power density.

Keywords:

• electromagnetic radiation
• Clock gene
• fvii gene

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to acknowledge membership within and support from the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No. 41074131 to ZW) and China Medical Board (CMB) (No. 88-486 to ZW).