Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The influence of 1800 MHz GSM-like signals on blood chemistry and oxidative stress in non-pregnant and pregnant rabbits med./bio.

By: Kismali G, Ozgur E, Guler G, Akcay A, Sel T, Seyhan N

Published in: Int J Radiat Biol 2012; 88 (5): 414-419

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the possible effects of radiofrequency irradiation on pregnant rabbits.

Background/further details

36 rabbits (13 months old) were studied in the following four groups: 1) non-pregnant control group, 2) non-pregnant radiofrequency-exposed group, 3.) pregnant control group and 4.) pregnant exposed group. Pregnant rabbits were exposed from the 15^th-22^nd day of gestation. After exposure, the rabbits were left without any intervention until the end of the 30^th day gestation period. Blood samples were taken one day after delivery (remark EMF-Portal: Not clear if blood samples were taken from dams only or also from the offspring).

Endpoint

effects on the immune system: blood chemistry
oxidative stress: lipid persoxidation

Exposure

- 1,800 MHz
- microwaves
- PW pulsed wave
- mobile communications
- digital mobile phone
- GSM

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 1,800 MHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 15 min/day during 7 days (day 15 to day 22 of gestation)	power: 0.1 W power density: 0.052 mW/cm² (whole body exposure)

General information

Rabbits were divided into the following four groups: i) non pregnant - control group ii) non pregnant - exposed to EMF iii) pregnant - control group iv) pregnant - exposed to EMF

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	1,800 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 15 min/day during 7 days (day 15 to day 22 of gestation)

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Pulse width	0.576 ms
Duty cycle	12.5 %
Repetition frequency	217 Hz
Pulse type	rectangular

Exposure setup

Exposure source	horn antenna signal generator
Chamber	shielded room
Setup	rabbits placed individually in a 40 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm plastic cage; horn antenna positioned directly above the cage
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power	0.1 W	-	measured	-	-
power density	0.052 mW/cm²	-	measured	-	whole body exposure

Exposed system:

animal
rabbit/New Zealand White
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the immune system: blood chemistry (serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, creatine kinase and creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme, gamma-glutamyltransferase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, blood urine nitrogen; clinical biochemistry analyzer)
oxidative stress: lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde level; via thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances)

Investigated system:

blood samples

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Lipid peroxidation did not change after radiofrequency exposure, i.e. the data showed no indication for oxidative stress in the blood of pregnant rabbits upon radiofrequency exposure under these conditions. Minor changes in some blood chemistry parameters were detected. Creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme and creatine kinase increases were remarkable in pregnant exposed animals (group 4).

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

Gazi University Research Foundation, Turkey

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