Objective To observe the effects of microwave radiation at 2 450 MHz with different power densities on learning and memory ability of mice.
Methods Forty 5-week-old Kunming mice were (1:1 sex ratio) randomly divided into four groups with ten mice each:control group, 2.5mW/cm2 radiation group, 5.0 mW/cm2 radiation group, and 10.0 mW/cm2 radiation group. Three radiation groups were exposed to microwave radiation (2 450 MHz) for 28 days, 1.5 h/d. The changes of learning and memory ability were evaluated with Y maze test and step-through test. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the levels of S100B protein, nitric oxide (NO), aspartic acid (Asp), gamma amino acid (GABA), and glutamate (Glu) were determined, respectively.
Results Compared with the control group, the incorrect run counts of Y-maze test in the three radiation groups were higher, the activity of SOD and the level of Glu were lower (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). In the step-through test, the incorrect counts of the 10.0 mW/cm2 radiation group was higher (P < 0.01); the latencies of both the 5.0 mW/cm2 and the 10.0 mW/cm2 radiation groups were obviously lower than that of the control group, the levels of S100B protein were higher, the levels of NO and GABA were increased, and the levels of Asp were decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). With the increase of power density of microwave irradiation, the damage gradually aggravated.
Conclusion Microwave radiation can affect learning and memory ability of mice. Microwave radiation may cause oxidative damage, increase the levels of S100B protein and NO, and induce metabolic disturbance of amino acid neurotransmitters, which results in impaired learning and memory ability of mice.
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