Effects of EMP exposure on the memory function of rat pups

To determine whether exposure to electromagnetic pulses (EMP) emissions results in behavioral effects and evaluate memory function of rats pups. The Wistar rats, either male or female, were divided randomly into two groups respectively: control (CTR) and 104 pulses (G1). Then G1 group was exposed to EMP of 146. 5 kv/m field amplitude and 104 pulses. For the day of exposure till 3 months later, they were mated with the rats in the same group and their offspring were divided into two groups (F-GRT, F-G1) correspondingly. Our study was performed to determine if behavioral teratological changes occur in 3-month old rat pups. Offspring were examined in step through test, Y-maze and open-field test . Behavioral effects of EMP-expose were unremarkable with these exceptions: (1) In step through test, female pups in F-G1 group emitted a slightly increase in memory retention; (2) In y-maze test, all the pups in F-G1 significantly learned less times than control; (3) In open-field test, as compared with the control, both female and male pups in F-G1 group have significantly changes. Offspring of the rats exposed to 1 x 104 pulses performed better in learning and memory retention.