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[Pharmacologic correction of learning and memory disorders induced by exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation].

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Krylov IN, Iasnetsov VV, Dukhanin AS, Pal'tsev IuP · 1993

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Microwave radiation at 1 mW/cm2 caused measurable memory loss in rats by disrupting multiple brain chemical systems.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Russian researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at 2375 MHz (similar to some WiFi frequencies) and found it caused retrograde amnesia - the inability to recall memories formed before the exposure. The memory loss involved multiple brain chemical systems including those that regulate mood and cognition. However, two drugs called piracetam and oxiracetam were able to prevent the memory damage when given before exposure.

Why This Matters

This 1993 study provides compelling evidence that microwave radiation can directly impair memory formation and recall through multiple neurochemical pathways. The exposure level of 1 mW/cm2 is particularly concerning because it falls within ranges you might encounter from some wireless devices at close range. What makes this research especially significant is that it identified the specific brain systems affected - opioid, GABA, benzodiazepine, and cholinergic pathways - all critical for normal cognitive function. The fact that pharmaceutical intervention could prevent the damage suggests the effects are real and measurable, not just behavioral artifacts. While this is animal research from three decades ago, it aligns with growing evidence that RF radiation can cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with normal brain chemistry, potentially explaining why some people report cognitive issues with wireless device use.

Exposure Details

Power Density
1 µW/m²
Source/Device
2375 MHz

Exposure Context

This study used 1 µW/m² for radio frequency:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextA logarithmic scale showing exposure levels relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and regulatory limits.Study Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 1 µW/m²Extreme Concern1,000 uW/m2FCC Limit10M uW/m2Effects observed in the Slight Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 10,000,000x higher than this exposure level

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Pharmacologic correction of learning and memory disorders induced by exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation

Acute exposure of rats to microwaves (12.6 chr, 2375 MHz, power density 1 mW/cm2) induced the retrog...

Cite This Study
Krylov IN, Iasnetsov VV, Dukhanin AS, Pal'tsev IuP (1993). [Pharmacologic correction of learning and memory disorders induced by exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation]. Biull Eksp Biol Med 115(3):260-262, 1993.
Show BibTeX
@article{in_1993_pharmacologic_correction_of_learning_1113,
  author = {Krylov IN and Iasnetsov VV and Dukhanin AS and Pal'tsev IuP},
  title = {[Pharmacologic correction of learning and memory disorders induced by exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation].},
  year = {1993},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8054613/},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Russian researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at 2375 MHz (similar to some WiFi frequencies) and found it caused retrograde amnesia - the inability to recall memories formed before the exposure. The memory loss involved multiple brain chemical systems including those that regulate mood and cognition. However, two drugs called piracetam and oxiracetam were able to prevent the memory damage when given before exposure.