Effects of 5.8 GHz microwave on hippocampal synaptic plasticity of rats

Abstract

Overview

The study focuses on the implications of the 5.8 GHz spectrum, often used in wireless technology, on hippocampal synaptic plasticity in rats.

Objective

To investigate the possible hazards of exposure to 5.8 GHz microwaves on rats’ learning and memory abilities.

Methods

• Morris Water maze (MWM), Novel object recognition (NOR), and Fear conditioning test (FCT) evaluated spatial and non-spatial memory.
• Examination of hippocampal morphology, brain injury factors in serum, and mitochondrial membrane potential of hippocampal neurons to assess neuronal damage.
• Detection of dendritic spine density, synapse ultrastructure, and levels of PSD95, Synaptophysin, p-CREB, and CREB for assessing synaptic plasticity.

Results

No significant differences were observed in behavioral performance and biological markers between the Microwave-exposed groups and the control (Sham) group, implying no notable changes in hippocampal synaptic functions.

Conclusion

Under the specific experimental conditions of this study, exposure to 5.8 GHz microwaves did not demonstrate a significant impact on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. This finding underscores the complexity of assessing EMF impacts and suggests more in-depth, long-term studies are needed to fully understand the breadth of microwave exposure effects on neurological functions.