Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Actions of pulsed ultra-broadband electromagnetic irradiation on the EEG and sleep in laboratory animals med./bio.

Published in: Neurosci Behav Physiol 2005; 35 (2): 165-170

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This study was designed to examine the effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields on the functional state of the brain in laboratory animals in vivo.

Background/further details

The brain activity was compared concerning baseline, response to sound, response to electromagnetic irradiation at an impulse repetition frequency of 6 Hz corresponding to EEG theta waves, and response to co-exposure (sound plus electromagnetic irradiation) in the right and left hemispheres of twenty-eight rats (180-210 and 310-360 grams). EEG during sleep was investigated in eight male adult rabbits using defined EEG and EMG criteria charcterizing "slow" sleep and "paradoxical" sleep.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 6 Hz–1 GHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 1 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 6 Hz–1 GHz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 1 h
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 1 ns
Repetition frequency 6 Hz
Additional info

pulse width 1-2 ns

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1 m
Setup Animals were placed in individual plastic or wooden cages located one meter from the antenna.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info Controls consisted of animals similarly placed in front of the antenna but without irradiation.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 130 V/cm - - - 100-130 V/cm

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

A suppression of frequencies close to the impulse repetition frequency of 6 Hz, along with a decrease in interhemisphere coherence was observed in rats.
Continuous recording of sleep for 22 hours from rabbits after irradiation revealed a significant increase in "paradoxical" sleep not until 16 hours after the end of electromagnetic irradiation.

Study character:

Study funded by

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