Exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic waves alters
acetylcholinesterase gene expression, exploratory and motor coordinationlinked
behaviour in male rats
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Abstract
Humans in modern society are exposed to an ever-increasing number of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and some
studies have demonstrated that these waves can alter brain function but the mechanism still remains unclear.
Hence, this study sought to investigate the effect of 2.5 Ghz band radio-frequency electromagnetic waves (RFEMF)
exposure on cerebral cortex acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and their mRNA expression level as well
as locomotor function and anxiety-linked behaviour in male rats. Animals were divided into four groups namely;
group 1 was control (without exposure), group 2–4 were exposed to 2.5 Ghz radiofrequency waves from an
installed WI-FI device for a period of 4, 6 and 8 weeks respectively. The results revealed that WiFi exposure
caused a significant increase in anxiety level and affect locomotor function. Furthermore, there was a significant
decrease in AChE activity with a concomitant increase in AChE mRNA expression level in WiFi exposed rats
when compared with control. In conclusions, these data showed that long term exposure to WiFi may lead to
adverse effects such as neurodegenerative diseases as observed by a significant alteration on AChE gene expression
and some neurobehavioral parameters associated with brain damage