Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the effect of 8 Hz infrasound on the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in rats' hippocampus and temporal cortex.Methods140 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, and experimental groups that exposed to infrasound of 8Hz,90dB,100dB and 130dB for 1,7,14,21,28,35,42 days. Experimental groups were exposed to infrasound for 2 hours each day. The control group was only placed in the infrasonic storehouse but without infrasound. Rats' brains were taken as soon as the exposure finished and strained by immunohistochemistry. The content of 5-HT in hippocampus and temporal cortex was detected under an optical microscope.ResultsInfrasound groups had less expression of 5-HT in hippocampus and temporal cortex than the control group (P<0.01), and the least were at the 28th day for 90 dB and 100 dB groups and the 21st day for 130 dB group. Then the expression of 5-HT had an increase in each group.ConclusionThe deceased expression of 5-HT in rats' hippocampus and temporal cortex could result from infrasound of 8 Hz. Rules of change are related to the parameter of infrasound and the 130 dB 8 Hz infrasound can induce greater changes compared with that of 100 dB and 90 dB.

Key words: infrasound, rats, hippocampus, temporal cortex, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)