Abstract

Overview

This study explores both short-term and long-term impacts of exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on social recognition behavior and estrogen receptor α- and β-expression in the olfactory bulb of female rats.

Methods

• Rats underwent exposure to a 60-Hz electromagnetic field for periods of 9 or 30 days.
• Social recognition behavior was assessed, and the expression levels of α- and β-estrogen receptors (ER) were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and western blot assays.
• This was performed in three different rat models: intact, ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized with estradiol replacement (OVX+E2).

Findings

Exposure effects varied with the duration and the physiological state of the rats:

• Impairment in social recognition was seen in OVX rats after short-term EMF exposure, with notable recovery following estradiol replacement.
• Increased β-ER expression following short exposure in intact rats, with different patterns observed after longer exposure and varied further still based on the rat's state (intact, OVX, OVX+E2).
• α-ER showed no significant effects linked to social recognition tasks across the groups.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential health implications of electromagnetic fields on neural and social behaviors in mammals, particularly the nuanced interaction with estrogen receptor modulations. It underscores important considerations for public health regarding exposure duration and biological variances in susceptibility to EMF.