Abstract: ObjectiveTo study mRNA expression of cytochrome coxidase(COX)subunitⅠ,Ⅳ and activity of cytochrome coxidase in hippocampus of rats after microwave exposure,and to interpret the molecular mechanism of microwave exposure on the energy metabolism deficit in hippocampus of rats.MethodThe expression of cytochrome coxidase subunit Ⅰ and Ⅳ mRNA after microwave exposure was detected by RT-PCR.The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), adenosine diphosphate(ADP),adenosine monophosphate(AMP)and activity of cytochrome coxidase in hippocampus were detected by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and reduced cytochrome c methods respectively.ResultsDecreased activity of cytochrome coxidase and content of ATP in hippocampus were found after exposure,cytochrome coxidase subunit Ⅰ and Ⅳ mRNA was also downregulated.ConclusionMicrowave irradiation can decrease the expression of COXI, Ⅳ mRNA and avtivity of COX,and further to induce energy metabolism deficit in hippocampus of rats.