Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the effects of both short-term and long-term exposure to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on anxiety-like behavior, corticosterone levels, and gene expression in male rats.

Methodology

Rats were divided into eight groups: sham (control) and exposed groups with different durations of RF-EMR exposure. Exposures were conducted for one hour daily using Wi-Fi equipment, which remained turned off for the sham group during the experiment.

Findings

• Behavioral Tests: Utilized the elevated plus maze and open-field tests to evaluate anxiety-like behaviors.
• Gene Expression: Focused on mRNA expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 genes and confirmed findings through reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Short-term exposure to RF-EMR served as a systemic stressor, elevating plasma corticosterone levels and affecting glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus. However, long-term exposure did not show substantial impacts.

Conclusion

The electromagnetic fields exerted by 2.45 GHz RF-EMR have significant implications on gene expression related to memory and anxiety in rats. The study emphasizes the need for further research to identify protective strategies against the adverse effects of RF-EMR on the nervous system.