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

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 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), Vol. 1:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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