Changes in locomotor activity in mice due to low-intensity microwaves amplitude modulated in the EEG spectral domain

Abstract

Overview

Microwaves, while beneficial in daily life, have been associated with various neurological complaints such as headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, and changes in electroencephalogram (EEG). The influence of microwaves on brain function is yet to be fully understood.

Findings

• This exploratory study evaluated behavior and neurochemistry in mice immediately and 4 weeks post a 6-day exposure to 10 GHz low-intensity microwaves modulated at both 2 Hz and 8 Hz frequency.
• 2 Hz and 8 Hz frequencies correspond to delta and theta-alpha bands in EEG, linked to sleep and active behavior respectively.
• Exposure to 8 Hz amplitude modulation (AM) led to a significant reduction in locomotor activity immediately post-exposure, which normalized after 4 weeks.
• Contrarily, 2 Hz AM showed no significant immediate or long-term changes in locomotor activity.
• No notable alterations were found in levels of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, nor in motor coordination, memory, anxiety, or depressive-like behaviors.

Conclusion

Exposure to 8 Hz AM microwaves can transiently alter locomotor activities in mice, highlighting a potential influence of microwave frequency modulation on brain function, though without immediate biochemical alterations in the targeted neurotransmitters.