Effects of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field of 2 G intensity on memory and corticosterone level in rats

Physiol Behav. 2002 Aug;76(4-5):589-95. doi: 10.1016/s0031-9384(02)00730-8.

Abstract

In the present study, we examined the effects of chronic exposure (1 and 2 weeks) to an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) of 2 G intensity on memory in rats using an object recognition task. Comparable groups of rats were exposed for 1, 2 or 4 weeks to ELFMF and the following day blood samples were collected from each rat for the measurement of corticosterone level. Our results demonstrate that exposure to ELFMF induces a significant increase in the level of corticosterone in blood plasma and is associated with impairment in discrimination between familiar and novel objects.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corticosterone / blood*
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Exploratory Behavior / radiation effects
  • Habituation, Psychophysiologic / radiation effects
  • Male
  • Memory / radiation effects*
  • Psychomotor Performance / radiation effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recognition, Psychology / radiation effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Corticosterone