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Published on: February 26, 2014
Whole body exposure with GSM 900MHz affects spatial memory in mice
A F Fragopoulou1, P Miltiadous, A Stamatakis
1Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, N. & K. University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Zographou 15784, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Mobile phone radiation exposure impaired spatial learning and memory in mice. Exposed mice demonstrated deficits in acquiring and recalling information in the Morris water maze task, suggesting potential cognitive impacts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Research on mobile phone radiation effects on cognitive functions, particularly in rodents, shows conflicting results.
- Previous studies on mice at very low specific absorption rate (SAR) levels reported no significant cognitive deficits.
- The hippocampus-dependent Morris water maze is a standard task for assessing spatial learning and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mobile phone radiation on spatial learning and memory in mice (Mus musculus Balb/c).
- To evaluate cognitive performance under higher SAR values than previously tested in mice.
- To explore potential non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on hippocampal function.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed daily for 4 days to pulsed GSM 900MHz radiation from a mobile phone (2h/day).
- Specific absorption rate (SAR) values ranged from 0.41 to 0.98 W/kg.
- Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze, comparing exposed and sham-exposed groups.
Main Results:
- Exposed mice exhibited impaired spatial learning, showing increased escape latency and distance swam during initial trials of training days 2-4.
- In the probe trial, sham-exposed mice showed target quadrant preference, while exposed mice did not, indicating deficits in memory consolidation and/or retrieval.
- These findings suggest a negative impact of mobile phone radiation on hippocampal-dependent spatial memory.
Conclusions:
- Mobile phone radiation exposure at moderate SAR levels significantly impairs spatial learning and memory in mice.
- The results indicate deficits in both the acquisition and recall of spatial information.
- Further research is warranted to understand the non-thermal mechanisms of EMF effects on cognitive functions.
