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Spatial memory and learning performance and its relationship to protein synthesis of Swiss albino mice exposed to 10 GHz microwaves.

International journal of radiation biology · 2014 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 6533

Both groups improved with training (decreased escape time). Microwave-exposed mice had a statistically significant higher mean latency to reach the target quadrant versus sham-exposed mice, and had decreased whole-brain protein levels compared with sham.

Study snapshot

PublicationInternational journal of radiation biology · 2014
Study typeanimal
Reported directionHarm
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study the possible role of microwave (MW) exposure on spatial memory of Swiss albino mice and its relationship to protein concentration in whole brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were exposed to 10 GHz (Giga Hertz) microwaves with the power density of 0.25 mW/cm(2) (milliwatt per centimeter square) with average whole body specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.1790 W/kg daily for 2 hours per day (h/day) for 30 days. After exposure mice were tested for spatial memory performance using Morris water maze test (MWT). For this purpose mice (6-8 weeks old) were divided into two groups: (i) Sham exposed, and (ii) microwaves exposed. After initial training for two days, MWT was performed for another 6 days. Protein was estimated 48 h after exposure and immediately after completion of MWT. RESULTS: Both sham-exposed and microwaves-exposed animals showed a significant decrease in escape time with training. Microwaves-exposed animals had statistically significant higher mean latency to reach the target quadrant compared to sham exposed. A concurrent decrease in protein levels was estimated in whole brain of the exposed mice compared to sham-exposed mice. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded from the current study that exposure to microwave radiation caused decrements in the ability of mice to learn the special memory task, this may be due to simultaneous decrease in protein levels in the brain of mice.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal
Effect directionharm
PopulationSwiss albino mice (6–8 weeks old)
Sample sizeNot supplied
Exposuremicrowave · 10000 MHz · 0.179 W/kg · 2 h/day for 30 days
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Both groups improved with training (decreased escape time). Microwave-exposed mice had a statistically significant higher mean latency to reach the target quadrant versus sham-exposed mice, and had decreased whole-brain protein levels compared with sham.

Outcomes measured

  • Spatial memory/learning performance (Morris water maze)
  • Whole-brain protein concentration/levels

Limitations

  • Sample size not reported in abstract
  • Animal study; generalizability to humans is uncertain
  • Exposure source/setup details not described beyond frequency, power density, and SAR
  • Protein measured in whole brain (not region-specific); timing of measurements may affect interpretation
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "microwave",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 10000,
    "sar_wkg": 0.179,
    "duration": "2 h/day for 30 days"
  },
  "population": "Swiss albino mice (6–8 weeks old)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Spatial memory/learning performance (Morris water maze)",
    "Whole-brain protein concentration/levels"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Both groups improved with training (decreased escape time). Microwave-exposed mice had a statistically significant higher mean latency to reach the target quadrant versus sham-exposed mice, and had decreased whole-brain protein levels compared with sham.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Animal study; generalizability to humans is uncertain",
    "Exposure source/setup details not described beyond frequency, power density, and SAR",
    "Protein measured in whole brain (not region-specific); timing of measurements may affect interpretation"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "10 GHz",
    "microwaves",
    "power density 0.25 mW/cm^2",
    "SAR 0.179 W/kg",
    "Swiss albino mice",
    "Morris water maze",
    "spatial memory",
    "learning",
    "whole brain protein"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "animal-studies",
      "weight": 0.9,
      "reason": "Controlled microwave exposure experiment in mice assessing behavioral and biochemical outcomes."
    }
  ]
}
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2013.835883
PubMed: 23952535

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