Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Blood-brain barrier disruption by continuous-wave radio frequency radiation med./bio.

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2009; 28 (2): 215-222

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz continuous wave radiofrequency exposure on the permeability of blood-brain barrier in young adult male and female rats.

Background/further details

The rats were divided into four exposure groups and two control groups: 1) control males (n=8), 2) control females (n=9), 3) 900 MHz exposed males (n=8), 4) 900 MHz exposed females (n=9), 5) 1800 MHz exposed males (n=9) and 6) 1800 MHz exposed females (n=9).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 20 min
Exposure 2: 1,800 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 20 min

General information

animals were divided into six groups: i) female control ii) male control iii) female exposed to 900 MHz iv) male exposed to 900 MHz v) female exposed to 1800 MHz vi) male exposed to 1800 MHz

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration continuous for 20 min
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 10 cm
Setup rats were anesthetized during exposure; rats exposed individually with their body parallel to the E-field component of the RF-field
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 12.8 V/m minimum - - -
electric field strength 13.9 V/m maximum - - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,800 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration continuous for 20 min
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 10 cm
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 12.3 V/m minimum - - -
electric field strength 13 V/m maximum - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data revealed that 20 min radiofrequency exposure of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz increases significantly the permeability of blood-brain barrier of male rats. There was no change in female rats. However, female control rats exhibited a significant higher blood-brain barrier permeability (similar to those of the exposed rats) than the male control rats.

Study character:

Study funded by

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