Comparing the Effects of Long-term Exposure to Extremely Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields With Different Values on Learning, Memory, Anxiety, and β-amyloid Deposition in Adult Rats

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMFs) have gathered significant consideration for their possible pathogenicity. However, their effects on the nervous system's functions were not fully clarified. This study aimed to assay the impact of ELF-EMFs with different intensities on memory, anxiety, antioxidant activity, β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, and microglia population in rats. Fifty male adult rats were randomly separated into 5 groups; 4 were exposed to a flux density of 1, 100, 500, and 2000 microtesla (μT), 50 Hz frequency for one h/day for two months, and one group as a control group. The control group was without ELF-EMF stimulation. After 8 weeks, passive avoidance and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) tests were performed to assess memory formation and anxiety-like behavior, respectively. Total free thiol groups and the index of lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Additionally, for detection of Aβ deposition and stained microglia in the brain, anti-β-amyloid and anti-Iba1 antibodies were used. The step-through latency in the retention test in ELF-EMF exposure groups (100500 & 2000 μT) was significantly greater than the control group (P