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Glucose administration attenuates spatial memory deficits induced by chronic low-power-density microwave exposure
Yonghui Lu1, Shangcheng Xu, Mindi He
1Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
Physiology & Behavior
|May 9, 2012
Summary
Glucose administration reversed memory deficits in rats exposed to microwave radiation. This suggests reduced hippocampal glucose uptake contributes to cognitive impairment from microwave exposure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is linked to reduced glucose metabolism in brain regions like the hippocampus.
- Glucose administration is known to improve memory deficits in various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if glucose treatment can mitigate memory impairments caused by chronic microwave (MW) exposure.
- To determine the effect of MW exposure on glucose uptake in the hippocampus.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were exposed to 2.45 GHz pulsed MW irradiation (1 mW/cm(2), 3 h/day for up to 30 days).
- Spatial learning and memory were assessed.
- Hippocampal glucose uptake was measured in the presence and absence of insulin.
- Blood glucose and insulin levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- MW exposure led to spatial learning and memory impairments in rats.
- Hippocampal glucose uptake was reduced by MW exposure, independent of insulin levels.
- Systemic glucose treatment reversed the MW-induced spatial memory deficits.
- Blood glucose and insulin levels remained unaffected by MW exposure.
Conclusions:
- Glucose administration effectively attenuates spatial memory deficits resulting from chronic low-power-density MW exposure.
- Reduced hippocampal glucose uptake is a potential mechanism underlying cognitive impairment induced by MW exposure.
