Effects of 1.5 and 4.3 GHz microwave radiation on cognitive function and hippocampal tissue structure in Wistar rats

Authors: Ruiqing Zhu, Hui Wang, Xinping Xu, Li Zhao, Jing Zhang, Ji Dong, Binwei Yao, Haoyu Wang, Hongmei Zhou, Yabing Gao, Ruiyun Peng

Year: 2021 May 12

Category: Radiobiology

Journal: Sci Rep

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89348-4

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8115682/

Abstract

Overview

Previous studies have shown detrimental effects of single-frequency microwave radiation on cognitive functions in animal models. However, comprehensive studies utilizing multiple frequencies are scarce.

Research Objective

This research focused on assessing the cognitive and structural impacts of both individual and combined 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz microwave radiations on Wistar rats.

Methodology

Participants: 140 male Wistar rats
Groups: Sham radiation, 1.5 GHz (10 mW/cm2), 4.3 GHz (10 mW/cm2), Combined 1.5 & 4.3 GHz
Duration: 1-28 days post-exposure
Measured outcomes: Morris water maze, EEG, hippocampal structure, enzyme activities

Findings

Significant cognitive declines and hippocampal damages were evidenced in rats subjected to microwave radiation. Exposure to dual-frequency radiation led to notably severe impairments compared to single-frequency exposure. Importantly, these impacts were observed regardless of microwave frequency.

Conclusion

The study conclusively demonstrates a clear link between microwave radiation and cognitive, as well as hippocampal impairments in rats, underscoring potential health risks associated with exposure to such radiation.

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