Effects of low-intensity electromagnetic fields on behavioral activity of rats

The present study aimed at comparative assessment of the changes in behavioral activity of rats after exposing them to low intensity electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the meter, decimeter and centimeter ranges. The experiments were carried out on 24 Wistar rats divided into 4 groups (1 control and 3 experimental), treated with different EMFs. The rats were irradiated on the head area at power density of 10 mW/cm2. Using a conventional shuttle box, the conditioned and non-conditioned responses and spontaneous motor activity of the rats were studied. The results suggest that exposure to EMFs in the three ranges can slow down the formation of conditioned responses--this was clearly marked in the rats exposed to meter EMFs, whereas the effects of centimeter EMFs were delayed in time. The behavioral effects were mild at athermal dosages and the animals adapted easily to exposure conditions. This study shows that determination of the effects of different EMFs should be done for each of the ranges separately; determination of the exact dosage of the electromagnetic fields can help to avoid their negative biological effects.