Microwave Effects on Learning and Memory in Mice

摘要

The effects of microwave irradiation were assessed on learning memory in mice. Also, preliminary studies were completed to begin an assessment of underlying physiological mechanisms related to the observed microwave effects on behavior. Using a resonant microwave irradiation chamber in which mice were exposed following daily training to 3GHz pulsed microwave at approximately 18m W/sq cm average power levels, small but reliable increases in performance were documented. All treatments were delivered posttrial for a 15 min. period. Sham-treated mice were treated in the same manner as exposed mice except that no radiation was delivered. Repeated replications with different aged animals produced the same effects. The microwave facilitation was observed in both automated active avoidance testing and in single-trial, passive avoidance testing. The modest facilitation effect was observed when the mice were tested at 20 days after original training. Using a different irradiation chamber, the studies were repeated. The new chamber used an impedance matched horn in which the mice were restrained in a constant orientation relative to the microwave fields. In this test configuration the mice received an average power level of 22mW/sq cm. Once again, small but reliable amounts of performance facilitation were observed.