Modification of the repeated acquisition of response sequences in rats by low-level microwave exposure

The acute effects of microwave exposure on a repeated acquisition baseline were investigated in three rats. Each session the animals acquired a different four-member response sequence. Each of the first three correct responses advanced the sequence to the next member, and the fourth correct response produced food reinforcement. Incorrect responses produced a three-second timeout. Baseline and control sessions were characterized by a decrease in errors within each session. The animals were acutely exposed to a 2.8 GHz pulsed-microwave field prior to test sessions, with average power densities ranging from 0.25 to to 10 mW/cm2. In comparison to control sessions, 1/2 hour of exposure to microwave radiation at power densities of 5 and 10 mW/cm2 increased errors and altered the pattern of within-session acquisition. Exposure to the 10 mW/cm2 power density decreased the rate of sequence completion in all animals. The results of exposures at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mW/cm2 power densities were generally within the control range. The results are interpreted as indicating a disruption in the discriminative stimulus control of the repeated acquisition behavior.