Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Effects of intrauterine and extrauterine exposure to GSM-like radiofrequency on distortion product otoacoustic emissions in infant male rabbits. med./biol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
To investigate the potential hazadous effects of intrauterine and/ or extrauterine GSM radiofrequency exposure on the cochlear functions of infant rabbits.
Background/further details:
36 male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (each n=9): 1) control group; 2) extrauterine exposure (at 1 month of age); 3) intrauterine exposure (between 15th and 22nd days of the gestational period); and 4) both intrauterine and extrauterine exposure.

Endpoint

• effects on cochlear functions

Exposure
General category: mobile communication system, GSM

Field characteristics	Parameters
field 1: 1800 MHz pulsed (PW) exposure duration: 15 min/day for 14 days from 1 month of age	power: 0.1 W
field 2: 1800 MHz pulsed (PW) exposure duration: 15 min/day for 7 days between 15th and 22nd day of gestation	power: 0.1 W
field 3: 1800 MHz pulsed (PW) exposure duration: 15 min/day for 7 days between 15th and 22nd day of gestation + 15 min/day for 14 days from 1 month of age	power: 0.1 W

Exposed system:
animal (species/strain): rabbit/New Zealand
whole body exposure

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• effects on cochlear functions: distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) for the frequencies 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 kHz (cochlear emission analyzer)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
No significant differences in the mean distortion product otoacoustic emissions were found among the four groups at 1.0 an 8.0 kHz. For the other frequencies significant group differences were present: Harmful effects were mainly observed during extrauterine exposure: the amplitudes at 4.0 and 6.0 kHz were reduced, showing a decrease in the cochlear activity. After the intrauterine exposure the amplitudes were increased at 1.5-6.0 kHz.
The authors conclude that prolonged exposure and hyperthermia related to the power density increased the temperature in the ear canal and may affect the distortion product otoacoustic emissions response amplitudes during the extrauterine exposure. During the intrauterine exposure, water and amnion fluid in the middle ear may have a protective role.

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

Study funded by

• not stated/none

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