Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Chronic prenatal exposure to the 900 megahertz electromagnetic field induces pyramidal cell loss in the hippocampus of newborn rats med./bio.

Published in: Toxicol Ind Health 2009; 25 (6): 377-384

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields on the postnatal development of the pyramidal cells of the cornu ammonis.

Background/further details

The cornu ammonis is a part of the hippocampus that involves short-term memory and learning.
Pregnant rats were assigned to a control group (n=3) and an exposure group (n=3). Exposure was performed during the 1-19th gestation day. Four weeks after delivery, randomly selected offspring of the control group (n=6) and the exposure group (n=6) was sacrificed for investigation.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous during gestation (19 days)
  • SAR: 2 W/kg peak value (whole body)
  • power density: 1 mW/cm² average over time (+/- 0.4 mW/cm²)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous during gestation (19 days)
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup whole body exposure in 12 cm long plastic tube cages with a diameter of 5.5 cm
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 2 W/kg peak value - whole body -
power density 1 mW/cm² average over time measured - +/- 0.4 mW/cm²

Reference articles

  • Yildiz M et al. (2006): Influence of electromagnetic fields and protective effect of CAPE on bone mineral density in rats
  • Ozguner M et al. (2005): Biological and morphological effects on the reproductive organ of rats after exposure to electromagnetic field
  • Koyu A et al. (2005): Effects of 900MHz electromagnetic field on TSH and thyroid hormones in rats

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 prenatal 900 MHz exposure significantly reduced the total pyramidal cell number in the cornu ammonis in the offspring. In exposed rats pyramidal cells with dark neurons and shrunken perikaryon were seen at all depths of the cornu ammonis. The physical examination did not show skeletal anomalies or differences in body or brain weight between exposed and control groups.
It was concluded that prenatal exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields plays a critical role in the neuronal formation in the hippocampus.

Study character:

Study funded by

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