Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Possible Combined Effects of 900 MHz Continuous-Wave Electromagnetic Fields and Gentamicin on the Auditory System of Rats. med./biol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
To evaluate the cochlear functionality of rats exposed to electromagnetic fields at 900 MHz and to gentamicin (loss of hearing or balance is a well-documented adverse effect of such aminoglycoside antibiotics).
Background/further details:
32 rats were divided into four groups: group 1 was treated with daily intramuscular injections of gentamicin for 15 days (150 mg/kg); group 2 was treated with daily intramuscular injections of gentamicin for 15 days (same dose) and exposed to electromagnetic fields; group 3 was exposed to electromagnetic fields; group 4 was sham-exposed.

Endpoint

• cochlear functionality

Exposure
General category: mobile communication system, mobile phone, GSM, microwaves

Field characteristics	Parameters
900 MHz continuous wave (CW) exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 2 h/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks	SAR: 4 W/kg

Exposed system:
animal (species/strain): rat/Sprague-Dawley
partial body exposure: head/ear

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• cochlear functionality (distortion product otoacoustic emissions)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
The data showed no evidence of a combined effect of a radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure and gentamicin on the auditory system of rats under these experimental conditions.

(Study character: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study, blind study)

Study funded by

• European Project GUARD ("Potential adverse effects of GSM cellular phones on hearing")
• European Union (EU)/European Commission

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