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Behavioral effects of exposure to nuclear magnetic resonance imaging: I. Open-field behavior and passive avoidance
K P Ossenkopp1, N K Innis, F S Prato
1Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Abstract:
The effect of exposure to the magnetic and radio-frequency fields associated with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on two standard animal behavior tests, was examined in rats. In the first experiment male rats were given a baseline open-field test and 48 hrs later exposed for 22.5 min to a MRI procedure, a sham imaging procedure, or a control condition. Immediately after this exposure period a second open-field test was administered. All animals were given 4 more daily exposures to their respective treatment conditions and after the last exposure period a third open-field test was given. Analysis of open-field ambulation, rearing, and defecation responses indicated no significant effect of exposure to MRI on these behaviours. In a second experiment rats were conditioned in a step-down passive avoidance task and then exposed for 23.2 min (48 hrs later) to MRI, sham imaging, or control conditions. Retention tests for the passive avoidance response were administered after the first and fifth daily exposure to the experimental treatment conditions. No significant effects of the treatment conditions on retention of the avoidance response were obtained and a third retention test 3 months after the second test, also failed to provide any evidence for treatment effects. These results fail to provide any evidence for short or long term behavioral changes in animals exposed to MRI.
Insights
Exposure to magnetic and radio-frequency fields from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) did not cause significant short or long-term behavioral changes in rats, according to two standard animal behavior tests.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Biophysics
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes magnetic and radio-frequency fields.
- Potential effects of these fields on animal behavior require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of MRI exposure on rat behavior.
- To determine if MRI fields induce short-term or long-term behavioral alterations.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent open-field tests assessing ambulation, rearing, and defecation after MRI or sham exposure.
- Rats were conditioned in a step-down passive avoidance task and tested for retention after MRI or sham exposure.
- Behavioral tests were repeated over multiple days and a long-term retention test was conducted 3 months later.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in open-field behaviors were observed between MRI-exposed and control groups.
- MRI exposure did not affect the retention of the passive avoidance response.
- No behavioral changes were detected immediately after exposure or in long-term follow-up tests.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to MRI fields does not appear to induce short-term or long-term behavioral changes in rats.
- Standard behavioral tests show no adverse effects from MRI procedures.
- These findings suggest MRI is safe concerning behavioral outcomes in animal models.