Maternal linalool treatment protects against radiofrequency wave-induced deteriorations in adolescent rats: A behavioral and electrophysiological study

Authors: Azimzadeh M, Noorbakhshnia M

Year: 2024 Jul 27

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68103-5

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-68103-5

Abstract

Overview

Recent advancements in technology have raised significant concerns about potential health effects. This study investigates the impact of prenatal exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency (RF) waves, commonly emitted by mobile phones, on adolescent rats. Additionally, it evaluates the protective potential of linalool, a natural compound, against RF-induced neurodevelopmental impairments.

Methods

  • Pregnant rats were divided into four groups: control, wave (RF exposure), wave + linalool, and linalool only.
  • Linalool (25mg/kg) was administered orally for 21 days, coinciding with RF irradiation from day 0 to day 21 of pregnancy.
  • Offspring underwent behavioral and electrophysiological assessments on postnatal days 50 and 60.

Findings

  • Exposure to RF during pregnancy resulted in anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze test.
  • Learning and memory were impaired in exposed rats, based on Morris water maze and shuttle box tests.
  • Electrophysiological examination revealed decreased field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) amplitude and slope in the hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapse.
  • Hippocampal levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and the Cu/Zn ratio were elevated, while zinc (Zn) levels decreased in exposed groups.
  • Linalool administration attenuated increases in Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cu/Zn ratio and partially restored trace element balance, except for Zn.
  • Females displayed greater sensitivity than males in behavioral tests.

Conclusion

Prenatal exposure to mobile phone RF radiation leads to neurodevelopmental disturbances characterized by behavioral changes, learning and memory deficits, altered hippocampal electrophysiology, and disrupted trace element homeostasis in offspring rats. Maternal linalool treatment offers partial neuroprotection, highlighting both the risk associated with RF exposure and the potential for therapeutic interventions. This research underscores the importance of understanding environmental EMF exposures during pregnancy and their long-term impact on brain function.

radiofrequency radiation prenatal exposure neurodevelopment learning and memory linalool trace elements behavioral effects
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