Abstract

Overview

With the rapid advancement of communication technologies and the advent of 5G, public concern about the health implications of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure has significantly heightened. Specific attention is being given to the frequencies used in 5G mobile communications, such as 2650 MHz, where reports of effects are scarce.

Methods

• Subject and Exposure: Male mice were exposed to 2650 MHz-EMR with a whole-body averaged specific absorption rate (WBSAR) of 2.06 W/kg for 4 hours daily over a period of 28 days.
• Assessment Techniques: Behavioral assessments included the open-field test (OFT), elevated-plus maze (EPM), and tail suspension test (TST). Spatial memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM), while HE and TUNEL staining assessed hippocampal morphology.
• Biomarkers: Protein expression levels in the hippocampus and serum corticosterone levels were quantified through various biochemical methods.

Findings

• Behavioral changes indicative of anxiety were observed in the EMR exposure group, evidenced by reduced movements and exploratory behavior in OFT and EPM, though no depressive-like behaviors were noted in TST.
• Mixed results in spatial memory tests with some parameters showing no significant difference from the control.
• Significant increase in serum corticosterone levels and reduced expression of stress and neurotrophic markers in the hippocampus in the exposure group.

Conclusion

The study suggests a risk of anxiety-like behavior in mice following prolonged exposure to 2650 MHz EMR, utilized in 5G mobile phone communications, without significant impairment in spatial memory abilities. Further extensive studies are crucial to fully understand the broader implications of EMR exposure on neurological health.