Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of low level microwave radiation exposure on cognitive function and oxidative stress in rats med./bio.

Published in: Indian J Biochem Biophys 2013; 50 (2): 114-119

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of an exposure to microwaves on the cognitive performance as well as oxidative stress level in the blood of rats.

Background/further details

Rats were exposed (n=6) or sham exposed (n=6).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Exposure duration: 2 h/day, 5 days a week for 30 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration 2 h/day, 5 days a week for 30 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1 m
Chamber during exposure rats were restrained in a closed box (30 cm x 20 cm x 15 cm) divided in 4 compartements with holes of 1 cm for ventilation; 6 rats were placed within the device in two such boxes simultaneously
Setup GTEM cell was a pyramidal tapered, dual terminated section with outer cell dimension of 220 cm Π120 cm Π80 cm; microwave chamber was lined with absorbers to minimize reflections
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 84.738 µW/kg mean calculated - -

Reference articles

  • Ardoino L et al. (2005): A radio-frequency system for in vivo pilot experiments aimed at the studies on biological effects of electromagnetic fields

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the elevated plus maze and the Morris water maze, the spatial memory and learning was significantly decreased in the exposed group in comparison to the sham exposed group.
In the exposed group the levels of the lipid oxidation and protein oxidation were significantly increased compared to the sham exposure group. No significant difference was observed regarding the concentration of reduced glutathione.
The authors conclude that exposure to microwaves could lead to cognitive impairments in rats and could induce oxidative stress.

Study character:

Study funded by

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