Associations between a Polymorphism in the rat 5-HT1A Receptor Gene Promoter Region (rs198585630) and Cognitive Alterations Induced by Microwave Exposure

Abstract The nervous system is a sensitive target of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Chronic microwave exposure can induce cognitive deficits, and the 5-HT system is involved in this effect. Genetic polymorphisms lead to individual differences. In this study, we evaluated whether the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs198585630 of the 5-HT 1A receptor is associated with cognitive alterations in rats after microwave exposure. The transcriptional activity of the 5-HT 1A receptor promoter containing the rs198585630 C/T allele was determined in vitro . Electroencephalograms (EEGs), spatial learning and memory, and the mRNA and protein expression of 5-HT 1A receptor were evaluated in vivo . We demonstrated that the transcriptional activity of 5-HT 1A receptor promoter containing the rs198585630 C allele was higher than that of 5-HT 1A receptor promoter containing the T allele. The transcriptional activity of the 5-HT 1A receptor promoter was stimulated by 30 mW/cm 2 microwave exposure, and the rs198585630 C allele was more sensitive to microwave exposure, as it showed stronger transcriptional activation. Rats carrying the rs198585630 C allele exhibited increased mRNA and protein expression of 5-HT 1A receptor and were more susceptible to 30 mW/cm 2 microwave exposure, showing cognitive deficits and inhibition of brain electrical activity.