Expression Pattern Alterations of the Brain KCC2 Chloride Transporter in Male Rats Following Postnatal Extremely Low‐Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Associated With Behavioral Outcomes

Background Exposure to extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MFs) has increased with technological development. Environmental factors are known to influence the K + –Cl − cotransporter 2 (KCC2), which regulates neuronal chloride homeostasis and is essential for brain development through its role in the GABAergic shift. In this study, we investigated the effects of ELF‐MF exposure on KCC2 expression and related behavioral and biochemical outcomes in Wistar rat pups. Methods Wistar rat pups were exposed to ELF‐MF (10 mT, 50 Hz) for 2 h per day from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 10. Results Results indicated a significant reduction in KCC2 expression in the ELF‐MF–exposed group. Furthermore, these animals exhibited enhanced anxiety‐like behaviors, elevated brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and shortened latency to tonic–clonic seizures compared with controls. Conclusions These findings suggest that early exposure to ELF‐MFs disrupts KCC2 expression in the developing brain and induces behavioral and biochemical abnormalities in male rats.