Chronic Dual-Band Radiofrequency Exposure Selectively Affects Spatial Memory Retention Without Altering Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats

Background: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are increasingly recognized as widespread environmental exposures associated with wireless communication technologies. Although these fields are non-ionizing, their possible neurobehavioral effects remain debated, particularly during growth and under repeated multi-band exposure conditions. Objective: This study evaluated whether chronic exposure to single- and dual-band RF signals affects anxiety-like behavior, spatial learning, and memory retention in growing male rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: sham-exposed controls, 800 MHz-exposed rats, 900 MHz-exposed rats, and sequential 800/900 MHz-exposed rats. Single-band groups were exposed for 3 h/day, whereas the dual-band group received 3 h/day at 800 MHz followed by 3 h/day at 900 MHz. Exposures were conducted 6 days/week for approximately four months. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using the elevated plus maze. Spatial learning and memory were evaluated using the Morris water maze. Results: RF exposure did not significantly affect elevated plus maze outcomes, including open-arm latency, time spent in open or closed arms, and arm-entry indices, suggesting no measurable effect on anxiety-like behavior or locomotor activity. In the Morris water maze, escape latency decreased significantly across training days in all groups, indicating preserved spatial learning. No significant Exposure effect or Exposure × Day interaction was observed during acquisition. However, the probe trial showed a significant reduction in target-quadrant time in the sequential 800/900 MHz group, while platform-site crossings did not differ significantly. Conclusion: These findings indicate a complex neurobehavioral profile: chronic RF exposure did not alter anxiety-like behavior or acquisition learning, but sequential dual-band exposure was associated with a selective reduction in spatial memory retention. Because this effect was endpoint-dependent and occurred under a longer dual-exposure schedule, interpretation remains cautious. The cellular and molecular mechanisms through which RF-EMFs may influence living cells are still not fully understood, highlighting the need for integrated behavioral, histological, oxidative-stress, and mechanistic investigations.