Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of GSM-like radiofrequency on distortion product otoacoustic emissions in pregnant adult rabbits med./bio.

Published in: Clin Invest Med 2009; 32 (2): E112-E116

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of 1800 MHz GSM-like radiofrequency exposure on the cochlear functions of pregnant adult rabbits.

Background/further details

18 pregnant (day 15-22 of gestation) and 18 non-pregnant rabbits were divided into four groups: 1) Nine pregnant not exposed animals, 2) nine pregnant exposed rabbits, 3) nine non-pregnant not-exposed rabbits, and 4) nine non-pregnant exposed animals.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 1,800 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 15 min/day on 7 days

General information

animals were divided into four groups: i)pregnant rabbits not exposed ii) pregnant rabbits exposed iii) non-pregnant rabbits not exposed iv) non-pregnant rabbits exposed

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,800 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 15 min/day on 7 days
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 0.576 ms
Duty cycle 12.5 %
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber shielded room
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 0.1 W - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

DPOAE amplitudes were not different for exposed and not exposed pregnant animals except for 2.0 kHz (decreased in exposed animals). In group 4 (non-pregnant, exposed), DPOAE amplitudes at 1.0-4.0 kHz were lower than in group 3 (non-pregnant, not exposed rabbits). In the pregnant group, harmful effects of GSM-like radiofrequency exposure were less present than in the non-pregnant group. During pregnancy increased inner ear volume may help to reduce the damage.
The authors conclude that GSM-like radiofrequency exposure caused decreases in DPOAE amplitudes mainly in non-pregnant adult rabbits. Prolonged exposure may affect the DPOAE amplitude.

Study character:

Study funded by

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