Magnetic fields associated with the use and transmission of electricity have been reported to depress nocturnal levels of melatonin in rodents, especially hamsters. In vitro models have shown that high melatonin levels can slow the growth of human breast cancer cells thus providing some support for the association between children living in homes close to power lines and increased cancer rates. Since exposure to light will depress melatonin levels more effectively than magnetic fields, this model will use light to depress melatonin and explore the effect on breast epithelial cells. Since breast cancer continues to increase in women, is one of the leading causes of death and since the factor(s) leading to the increasing rates is not known, this project has significant public health significance.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01ES021195-02
Application #
5202133
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code