Microwave exposure impairs synaptic plasticity in the rat hippocampus and PC12 cells through over-activation of the NMDA receptor signaling pathway
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Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
Published on: March 23, 2011
Lu Xiong1, Cheng Feng Sun1, Jing Zhang1
1Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to investigate whether microwave exposure would affect the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) signaling pathway to establish whether this plays a role in synaptic plasticity impairment.
Methods:
48 male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 mW/cm2 microwave for 10 min every other day for three times. Hippocampal structure was observed through H&E staining and transmission electron microscope. PC12 cells were exposed to 30 mW/cm2 microwave for 5 min and the synapse morphology was visualized with scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The release of amino acid neurotransmitters and calcium influx were detected. The expressions of several key NMDAR signaling molecules were evaluated.
Results:
Microwave exposure caused injury in rat hippocampal structure and PC12 cells, especially the structure and quantity of synapses. The ratio of glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitters was increased and the intracellular calcium level was elevated in PC12 cells. A significant change in NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B) and related signaling molecules (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II gamma and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein) were examined.
Conclusion:
30 mW/cm2 microwave exposure resulted in alterations of synaptic structure, amino acid neurotransmitter release and calcium influx. NMDAR signaling molecules were closely associated with impaired synaptic plasticity.
Insights
Microwave exposure damages brain cell structures and alters neurotransmitter balance. This impacts synaptic plasticity by affecting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity is crucial for learning and memory.
- N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a key role in synaptic function.
- The effects of microwave exposure on neuronal signaling remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of microwave exposure on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) signaling pathway.
- To determine if NMDAR signaling is involved in microwave-induced synaptic plasticity impairment.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of male Wistar rats and PC12 cells to 30 mW/cm2 microwave radiation.
- Histological analysis (H&E staining, transmission electron microscopy) of rat hippocampi.
- Microscopic examination (scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy) of PC12 cell synapses.
- Measurement of amino acid neurotransmitter release, calcium influx, and NMDAR signaling molecule expression.
Main Results:
- Microwave exposure induced structural damage in rat hippocampi and PC12 cells, particularly affecting synapses.
- Increased glutamic acid/gamma-aminobutyric acid ratio and elevated intracellular calcium levels were observed in PC12 cells.
- Significant alterations in NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B) and associated signaling molecules were detected.
Conclusions:
- Microwave exposure at 30 mW/cm2 disrupts synaptic structure, neurotransmitter release, and calcium homeostasis.
- NMDAR signaling molecules are implicated in the microwave-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity.
