Long-term exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields impairs spatial recognition memory in mice.
1. In the present study, we investigated the short- and long-term effects of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields on spatial recognition memory in mice by using a two-trial recognition Y-maze that is based on the innate tendency of rodents to explore novel environments. 2. Mice were exposed to 25 or 50 Hz electromagnetic fields for either 7 (short term) or 25 days (long term) and then tested in the Y-maze. 3. The results indicated that neither short- nor long-term exposure to magnetic fields affected the locomotor activity of mice in the Y-maze. However, long-term exposure to 50 Hz fields reduced recognition of the novel arm. 4. Our findings suggest that ELF magnetic fields impair spatial recognition memory in the Y-maze depending on the field strength and/or duration of exposure.
Fu
Yu
Y
Laboratory of Primate Neuroscience Research and Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
Wang
Cangkai
C
Wang
Jianhong
J
Lei
Yanlin
Y
Ma
Yuanye
Y
D000818:Animals; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013995:Time