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Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats

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Tang J, Zhang Y, Yang L, Chen Q, Tan L, Zuo S, Feng H, Chen Z, Zhu G · 2015

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Prolonged exposure to 900 MHz EMF radiation in rats was associated with cognitive impairment and blood-brain barrier disruption through activation of the mkp-1/ERK molecular pathway.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This study exposed 108 male rats to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields for 14 or 28 days and assessed cognitive function and blood-brain barrier integrity. The researchers found that 28 days of EMF exposure impaired spatial memory performance, caused cellular damage in the hippocampus and cortex, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and activated the mkp-1/ERK signaling pathway.

Why This Matters

This is an animal model study examining potential mechanisms of EMF-induced neurological effects, using established behavioral testing (Morris water maze) and molecular biology techniques. The 900 MHz frequency corresponds to mobile phone communication bands, which is relevant for assessing potential health effects in human populations.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Tang J, Zhang Y, Yang L, Chen Q, Tan L, Zuo S, Feng H, Chen Z, Zhu G (2015). Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats.
Show BibTeX
@article{tang_j_zhang_y_yang_l_chen_q_tan_l_zuo_s_feng_h_chen_z_zhu_g_ce3518,
  author = {Tang J and Zhang Y and Yang L and Chen Q and Tan L and Zuo S and Feng H and Chen Z and Zhu G},
  title = {Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats},
  year = {2015},
  doi = {10.1038/nature14129},
  
}
DOI: 10.1038/nature14129PubMed: 25598203

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