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Hypoactivity of Wistar rats exposed to mobile phone on elevated plus maze.

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Kumar RS, Sareesh NN, Nayak S, Mailankot M. · 2009

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Mobile phone radiation exposure caused anxiety-like behavioral changes in rats at everyday usage levels, suggesting potential neurological effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Rats exposed to cell phone radiation (900-1,800 MHz) for four weeks showed increased anxiety-like behavior in maze tests, exploring open areas less than unexposed rats. This suggests mobile phone radiation may affect brain function and stress responses in ways relevant to human health.

Why This Matters

This study adds to growing evidence that mobile phone radiation affects brain function and behavior, even at exposure levels similar to everyday phone use. The elevated plus maze is a well-established behavioral test where reduced open-arm exploration indicates increased anxiety-like responses in rodents. What makes this research particularly relevant is that the exposure protocol mimicked real-world phone usage patterns through missed calls rather than continuous radiation. While the study is preliminary with a small sample size and lacks detailed exposure measurements, it aligns with other research showing neurological effects from RF radiation. The behavioral changes observed suggest that mobile phone radiation may influence brain chemistry and neural pathways involved in anxiety and stress responses, which could have implications for human mental health given our constant exposure to these devices.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900–1,800 MHz Duration: 50 missed call/day, 4 wk

Study Details

To study whether mobile phone exposure causes changes in behavior of rats in the elevated plus maze.

The animals were divided into two groups of six rats each: control group and exposure group. Three o...

In conclusion, our preliminary results indicate mobile phone exposure induced behavioral changes in rats, expressed as deficit in open arm exploration on elevated plus-maze.

Cite This Study
Kumar RS, Sareesh NN, Nayak S, Mailankot M. (2009). Hypoactivity of Wistar rats exposed to mobile phone on elevated plus maze. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 53(3):283-286, 2009.
Show BibTeX
@article{rs_2009_hypoactivity_of_wistar_rats_1509,
  author = {Kumar RS and Sareesh NN and Nayak S and Mailankot M.},
  title = {Hypoactivity of Wistar rats exposed to mobile phone on elevated plus maze.},
  year = {2009},
  
  url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215615829_Hypoactivity_of_Wistar_rats_exposed_to_hand-held_mobile_phone_on_elevated_plus_maze},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, rats exposed to 900-1,800 MHz cell phone radiation for four weeks showed increased anxiety-like behavior in maze tests. The exposed rats explored open areas significantly less than unexposed rats, suggesting mobile phone radiation may affect brain function and stress responses.
Research shows rats exposed to 900-1,800 MHz radiation demonstrated behavioral changes on elevated plus maze tests, specifically showing deficit in open arm exploration. This indicates the radiation exposure influenced their anxiety levels and exploratory behavior patterns.
A 2009 study found that four weeks of mobile phone radiation exposure (900-1,800 MHz) was sufficient to induce behavioral changes in rats, causing them to show increased anxiety and reduced exploration of open spaces in maze tests.
Rats exposed to mobile phone EMF (900-1,800 MHz) for four weeks showed increased anxiety-like behavior, specifically avoiding open areas in elevated plus maze tests. This suggests mobile phone radiation can alter stress responses and exploratory behavior in animals.
Yes, exposure to the 900-1,800 MHz frequency range used by cell phones caused rats to exhibit increased anxiety-like behavior after four weeks of exposure. The study suggests this radiation may affect brain function and stress response systems.