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

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.2250010109· OSTI ID:5509434

Schrot, J; Thomas, J R; Banvard, R A

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.

• OSTI ID: 5509434
• Journal Information: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 1:1; ISSN BLCTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550100 -- Behavioral Biology
560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BEHAVIOR
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CONDITIONED REFLEXES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
MAMMALS
MICROWAVE RADIATION
POWER DENSITY
RADIATIONS
RATS
REFLEXES
RODENTS
SENSITIVITY
STIMULI
VERTEBRATES