Effects of 2G mobile phone exposure on both behavioural performance and levels of enzyme from NMDA-dependent pathway

Mobile communications are expanded day by day and bring along their potential adverse effects on human brain. One of the affected brain regions is known as hippocampus which is the most studied structure because of its well documented role in learning and memory. The major intracellular signaling pathway implemented in memory formation in the hippocampus is N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-dependent pathway including activation of kinases. Experimental animal studies have demonstrated several effects of short and/or long term RF-EMR exposure on cognitive functions and behaviors of animals. In the literature, little is known about the effects of RF-EMR exposure on NMDA receptor signalling pathway. Therefore, in the present study an attempt was taken to demonstrate possible effects of acute and chronic 900 MHz RF-EMR exposure on both passive avoidance behavior and hippocampal level of the enzymes from NMDA receptor related signalling pathway including p44/42 MAPK and it is phosphorylated form (phopsho p44/42 MAPK) using Western Blotting technique. Rats were divided into following groups: Sham rats, rats exposed to 900 MHz RF-EMR for 2h/day for 1 (acute) or 10 (chronic) weeks, respectively. Overall results indicated that both acute and chronic exposure to 900 MHz RF-EMR can impair passive avoidance behavior with minor effect on behavior of chronic group of rats. In addition, hippocampal levels of both p44/42 MAPK and phopsho p44/42 MAPK were significantly higher in chronic group of rats. These findings demonstrated that different duration time (1 week versus 10 weeks) of 900 MHz RF-EMR exposure has different effects on both passive avoidance behavior of rats and hippocampal levels of p44/42 MAPK and phopsho p44/42 MAPK from NMDA dependent pathway.