Modification of the repeated acquisition of response sequences in rats by low-level microwave exposure.

Abstract

The acute effects of microwave exposure on a repeated acquisition baseline were investigated in three rats. Each session the animals acquired a different four-member response sequence. Each of the first three correct responses advanced the sequence to the next member, and the fourth correct response produced food reinforcement. Incorrect responses produced a three-second timeout. Baseline and control sessions were characterized by a decrease in errors within each session. The animals were acutely exposed to a 2.8 GHz pulsed-microwave field prior to test sessions, with average power densities ranging from 0.25 to to 10 mW/cm2. In comparison to control sessions, 1/2 hour of exposure to microwave radiation at power densities of 5 and 10 mW/cm2 increased errors and altered the pattern of within-session acquisition. Exposure to the 10 mW/cm2 power density decreased the rate of sequence completion in all animals. The results of exposures at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mW/cm2 power densities were generally within the control range. The results are interpreted as indicating a disruption in the discriminative stimulus control of the repeated acquisition behavior.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Rats acutely exposed to a 2.8 GHz pulsed-microwave field at average power densities of 5 and 10 mW/cm2 showed increased errors and altered within-session acquisition compared with control sessions. Exposure at 10 mW/cm2 decreased the rate of sequence completion in all animals, while results at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mW/cm2 were generally within the control range.

Outcomes measured

• Repeated acquisition of response sequences (errors)
• Pattern of within-session acquisition
• Rate of sequence completion

Limitations

• Very small sample size (three rats)
• Acute exposure only; no long-term effects assessed
• Exposure metric reported as power density; SAR not reported

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "microwave",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 2800,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "1/2 hour (acute exposure prior to test sessions)"
    },
    "population": "Three rats",
    "sample_size": 3,
    "outcomes": [
        "Repeated acquisition of response sequences (errors)",
        "Pattern of within-session acquisition",
        "Rate of sequence completion"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Rats acutely exposed to a 2.8 GHz pulsed-microwave field at average power densities of 5 and 10 mW/cm2 showed increased errors and altered within-session acquisition compared with control sessions. Exposure at 10 mW/cm2 decreased the rate of sequence completion in all animals, while results at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mW/cm2 were generally within the control range.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Very small sample size (three rats)",
        "Acute exposure only; no long-term effects assessed",
        "Exposure metric reported as power density; SAR not reported"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "very_low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "microwave",
        "pulsed microwave",
        "2.8 GHz",
        "2800 MHz",
        "power density",
        "mW/cm2",
        "rats",
        "behavior",
        "learning",
        "repeated acquisition",
        "response sequences"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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