Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Behavioral effect of terahertz waves in male mice med./bio.

By: Bondar NP, Kovalenko IL, Avgustinovich DF, Khamoyan AG, Kudryavtseva NN
Published in: Bull Exp Biol Med 2008; 145 (4): 401-405
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effect of terahertz waves (3.6 THz) on the behavior of mice.

Background/further details

In the first series of experiments, explorative behavior during exposure was investigated in following groups: an exposure group, a control group and a sham exposure group (exposed to a 30-40 mW electricity supply device). In the second series, anxiety behavior was investigated one day after exposure (30 min) in an elevated plus-maze (exposed group and control group). Each group consisted of 10-12 male mice.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 3.6 THz
Exposure duration: continuous for 15 min.
Exposure 2: 3.6 THz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 3.6 THz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 15 min.
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup 28 cm x 14 cm x 10 cm metal cage with a 9 mm hole in the wall 2.5 cm from the floor; hole directed to the laser beam
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 15 mW - - - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 3.6 THz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min.
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup 28 cm x 14 cm x 10 cm metal cage with a 9 mm hole in the wall 2.5 cm from the floor; hole directed to the laser beam; additional mirror on the opposite side of the hole
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 15 mW - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the first series of experiments, the exposed animals showed a decreased explorative activity compared to the control group. In the second series, the number of entries into the central area was lower and the number of entries in the closed arms was higher in the exposed group, no entry into the open arms was observed.
The authors concluded that mice perceived terahertz waves even during short-term exposure and showed increased anxiety on the day after 30-min exposure.

Study character:

Study funded by