Study of Cognitive Changes in Adult Albino Mice After Intra-Uterine Exposure to Mobile Phone Radiations from Various Frequency Generations

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 2, 59 - 67, 31.08.2025

Amat Abdoulie Tekanyi , Abdullahi Hussein Umar Abdulhakeem Binhambali , Yusuf Yusha'u , Aliyah Temitayo Ahmed , Haruna Muhammad Kolo , Abdoulie Momodou Sunkary Tekanyi , Abdulazeez Muzemil , Aliyu Abubakar Yahaya , Rabiu Abdssalam Magaji

https://doi.org/10.32739/jnbs.12.2.3

Abstract

Aim: Advancements in mobile telecommunications have revolutionized communication, yet concerns persist about the potential health risks of radiofrequency (RF) radiation, particularly during critical developmental stages like pregnancy. This study examines the cognitive impact of intrauterine exposure to mobile phone radiation (MPR) across different frequency generations in albino mice. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five healthy mice, obtained from pregnant females, were divided into seven groups: a control group (no exposure) and six experimental groups exposed to 2G (0.9 GHz), 3G (1.5 GHz), and 4G (1.95 GHz) MPR until either birth or weaning. After eight weeks, cognitive function was assessed using the Y-Maze, Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and Morris Water Maze (MWM). Results: Results revealed significant cognitive deficits in exposed mice. Foetal MPR exposure reduced percentage alternation in the Y-Maze and discrimination ratio in NORT, with more pronounced impairments in groups exposed until weaning. Retention memory latency increased in the EPM, while acquisition memory remained unchanged. In the MWM, exposed mice spent less time in the target quadrant and had fewer platform crossings, indicating impaired spatial memory. Conclusion: These findings suggest that prolonged prenatal and early postnatal MPR exposure significantly disrupts learning and memory, emphasizing the need for further research on its long-term neurological consequences.

Keywords

Cognition , Central Nervous System , Electromagnetic Radiation , Memory , Neurophysiology

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