Behavioral alterations in mice due to low-intensity microwaves with amplitude modulation in the EEG frequency band

Behavioral alterations in mice due to low-intensity microwaves with amplitude modulation in the EEG frequency band ■

Vincent Van Eeghem, Vincent Van Eeghem, Vincent Van Eeghem, Anissa El Arfani, Anissa El Arfani, Anissa El Arfani, Arta Anthoula, Arta Anthoula, Arta Anthoula, Ali Pourkazemi, Ali Pourkazemi, Ali Pourkazemi, Ilse Smolders, Ilse Smolders, Ilse Smolders, Johan Stiens, Johan Stiens, Johan Stiens

Abstract ■

Since the introduction of microwave applications in our daily life, neurological complaints and changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) spectrum were associated with microwave exposure. To which extent microwaves affect the brain function remains unclear. In this exploratory study, mice were exposed for 6 days to low-intensity 10 GHz microwaves with an amplitude modulation (AM) of 2 or 8 Hz. These modulation frequencies correspond to brain waves in the EEG spectrum of mice. Immediately after exposure, 8 Hz AM showed a reduced locomotor activity which faded out on the long term. For a modulation of 2 Hz, no significant changes in locomotor activity were observed. In all cases, no anxiety nor depressive-like behavior was seen.