RT - Journal Article T1 - Effects of Electromagnetic Waves and Physical Activity on Learning, Spatial Memory, and Levels of a Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Offspring of Pregnant Rats JF - sjimu YR - 2020 JO - sjimu VO - 28 IS - 5 UR - http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-6201-en.html SP - 90 EP - 102 K1 - Electromagnetic waves K1 - Hippocampus K1 - Pregnancy K1 - Swimming K1 - Water maze AB - Introduction: Nowadays, exposure to electromagnetic waves has raised concerns for pregnant mothers about cognitive disorders that affect neonates. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of electromagnetic waves and physical activity on learning, spatial memory, and levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the neonates of pregnant rats. Materials & Methods: Pregnant Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into three groups of seven animals per group (Physical activity [PA], Electromagnetic fields [EMF], and AP+EMF). All groups underwent intervention during 21 days of pregnancy period. Subsequently, 2.4 GHz frequency and swimming were selected for the intervention. After delivery, 21 neonates were kept under natural in vitro conditions for 56 days (until maturity). Eventually, the Morris Water Maze test was performed, and the hippocampus was removed to measure BDNF. Ethics code: IR.SSRI.REC.1399.919 Findings: The result of one-way ANOVA showed that the traveled distance (P=0.007) and time to reach the platform (P=0.01) in the EMF group was significantly higher, compared to the PA group. Moreover, the results of one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test showed a significant increase in the level of the hippocampal BDNF in the groups of PA and EMF+PA, compared to the EMF group (P=0.007 and P=0.02, respectively). Discussions & Conclusions: Electromagnetic waves during pregnancy have a devastating effect on the memory and learning of the offspring of rats. However, physical activities, including swimming, can mitigate the destructive effects of these waves during pregnancy. LA eng UL http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-6201-en.html M3 10.29252/sjimu.28.5.90 ER -