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<p>Background: Electromagnetic fields may primarily affect cognitive functions. It has not</p><p>been elucidated how electromagnetic radiation affects the brain, particularly in the</p><p>young age group. We aimed to examine the cognitive function, expression of N-methyl</p><p>-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA), and EEG alterations in weaned rats exposed to a 2.45</p><p>GHz electromagnetic field. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one weaned (21 days old)</p><p>male Wistar Albino rats were divided into two groups as experimental group (n=12)</p><p>and control group (n=9). Animals in the experimental group were exposed to a 2.45</p><p>GHz electromagnetic field for one hour a day for more than 28 days. At the end of this</p><p>period, rats were subjected to training and learning test using Morris Water Maze.</p><p>After obtaining EEG records, hippocampi were removed. 2A and 2B subunits of NMDA</p><p>receptors were studied in hippocampal homogenates using the Western Blot method.</p><p>Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in</p><p>measures of latency to target quadrant, time spent in the target quadrant, and</p><p>average swim speed as compared in Morris water maze. However, the time to arrive</p><p>at the visible platform was significantly longer in experimental animals. There were no</p><p>statistically significant differences in expression of 2A and 2B subunits of NMDA</p><p>receptors between the two groups. Evaluation of EEG records revealed that spike</p><p>frequency was significantly higher and time to first spike was significantly shorter in</p><p>the experimental group. Conclusion: These results indicated that a 2.45 GHz</p><p>electromagnetic field might negatively affect EEG, motivation, and attention,</p><p>particularly in the young age group.</p> |
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