Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of 835 MHz radiofrequency radiation exposure on calcium binding proteins in the hippocampus of the mouse brain med./bio.

Published in: Brain Res 2010; 1313: 232-241

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether radiofrequency exposure at 835 MHz (CDMA) affected changes in the expression of calcium binding proteins like calbindin-D(28k) and calretinin in the mouse hippocampus at SAR values of 1.6 W/kg and 4 W/kg at different exposure durations.

Background/further details

Radiofrequency exposure might alter intracellular signaling pathways through changes in calcium permeability across cell membranes. Changes in the expression of calcium binding proteins could indicate impaired Ca2+ homeostasis.
60 mice were divided into six groups (each n=10): 1) control group, 2) 1.6 W/kg exposure group (1 h, 5 days), 3) 4 W/kg exposure group (1 h, 5 days), 4) 1.6 W/kg exposure group (5 h, 1 day), 5) 4 W/kg exposure group (5 h, 1 day), 6) one month exposure group. Animals were sacrificed three hours following the terminal exposure.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 835 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous exposure for up to one month (see details)
  • SAR: 4 W/kg average over mass (whole body) (exposure group high energy)
  • SAR: 1.6 W/kg average over mass (whole body) (exposure group low energy)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 835 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous exposure for up to one month (see details)
Modulation
Modulation type cf. additional info
Additional info

CDMA

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup exposure device: Wave Exposer V20
Additional info 6 exposure groups with 10 mice each: A) control B) 1 h daily at low energy for 5 days C) 1 h daily at high energy for 5 days D) 5 h at low energy for 1 day E) 5 h at high energy for 1 day F) 1 month at low energy
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 4 W/kg average over mass measured and calculated whole body exposure group high energy
SAR 1.6 W/kg average over mass measured and calculated whole body exposure group low energy

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The body weights of the different groups did not change significantly. The data showed an almost complete pyramidal cell loss in the hippocampal CA1 area of mice exposed to electromagnetic fields for one month (group 6). The authors conclude that 835 MHz radiofrequency exposure may be harmful.

Study character:

Study funded by

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