Exposure to radiofrequency wave (RFW) generated by a base transceiver stations (BTS) antenna model affects learning and memory in female more than male rats

Background: Exposure to electromagnetic radiation may impair memory. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency wave (hereafter referred to as RFW) on passive avoidance learning and memory in healthy males and females. Materials and Methods: Ten adult male and ten female Sprague-Dawley rats (230±20 gr) were randomly divided into four groups including two control groups (one for males and one for females), and two experimental groups (exposed to 900 MHz radio frequency wave) each representing one gender. The exposure was performed for 30 consecutive days (4h/day). Evaluation of learning and memory of the rats started on the last day of exposure by shuttle box. Learning and memory of animals was recorded by the period of time they remained within the light area; this time was called the light time. Results: Results of the study showed that exposure to RFW significantly decreased the duration of light time in the rats within the experimental groups as compared to the control groups (P<0.05). Exposure to RFW significantly decreased the light time in females in comparison to males in the experimental group (P<0.05). Histological study of brain section did not show significant changes between groups. Conclusion: With regard to these findings, it was concluded that exposure to RFW causes disorder in memory retention of passive avoidance learning in rats. The extent of damage to the learning and memory in rats exposed to RFW was more for females than males.