Abstract

Overview

Previous investigations have hinted at microwave (MW) radiation's capability to induce spatial memory deficits. Nevertheless, its impact on the brain network's topological organization was yet to be explored.

Findings

• Morris water maze (MWM) test and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments were employed to evaluate the spatial memory capabilities and brain network topological organization post-MW exposure.
• Exposure to 30 mW/cm2 1.5 GHz microwave radiation resulted in significant disruptions in network organization, notable one day after exposure, with marked behavioral symptoms developing later.
• A second observation at 10 mW/cm2 1.5 GHz also showed notable decreases in network organization without affecting the average escape latency (AEL).
• However, radiation at 9.375 GHz did not affect these parameters negatively.

Conclusion

Rats subjected to specific parameters of microwave radiation experienced early disruptions in the topological organization of brain networks, serving as potential early and sensitive indicators of spatial memory impairments. This disturbance in topology precedes and predicts behavioral symptoms of spatial memory deficits.