Abstract
Considering the frequent use of mobile phones, we have directed attention to possible implications on cognitive functions. In this study we investigated in a rat model the long‐term effects of protracted exposure to Global System for Mobile Communication‐900 MHz (GSM‐900) radiation. Out of a total of 56 rats, 32 were exposed for 2 h each week for 55 weeks to radio‐frequency electromagnetic radiation at different SAR levels (0.6 and 60 mW/kg at the initiation of the experimental period) emitted by a (GSM‐900) test phone. Sixteen animals were sham exposed and eight animals were cage controls, which never left the animal house. After this protracted exposure, GSM‐900 exposed rats were compared to sham exposed controls. Effects on exploratory behaviour were evaluated in the open‐field test, in which no difference was seen. Effects on cognitive functions were evaluated in the episodic‐like memory test. In our study, GSM exposed rats had impaired memory for objects and their temporal order of presentation, compared to sham exposed controls (P = 0.02). Detecting the place in which an object was presented was not affected by GSM exposure. Our results suggest significantly reduced memory functions in rats after GSM microwave exposure (P = 0.02). Bioelectromagnetics 29:219–232, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.