Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Immunohistochemical localization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the superior olivary complex of mice after radiofrequency exposure med./bio.

By: Maskey D, Kim MJ
Published in: Neurosci Lett 2014; 564: 78-82
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of exposure of mice to an 835 MHz electromagnetic field on the protein expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial-derived neurotrophic factor in the central auditory system of the brain should be investigated.

Background/further details

Given the close proximity between a mobile phone and the ear, it has been suggested that the central auditory system may be detrimentally influenced by radiofrequency exposure. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial-derived neurotrophic factor are important growth factors for the maintenance of auditory neurons.
10 mice were divided into 2 groups (n=5 each): 1) exposure to the electromagnetic field and 2) sham exposure. 10 brain sections per animal were chosen randomly for analysis.
Negative control was performed.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 835 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 8 h/day for 3 months

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 835 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 8 h/day for 3 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber 22 inches mouse cage; mice were able to move freely in cage; cage was surrounded by wave absorption material (TDK ceramic absorber)
Setup mouse cage was equipped with "Wave Exposer V20" composed of pyramidal horn antenna connected by a waveguide to coaxial transition
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.6 W/kg - measured and calculated - -
power 2.5 W - - - output power of antenna
electric field strength 59.56 V/m - calculated - -

Reference articles

  • Maskey D et al. (2010): Effect of 835 MHz radiofrequency radiation exposure on calcium binding proteins in the hippocampus of the mouse brain

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Protein expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly reduced in all examined brain areas in the exposure group compared to the sham exposure group.
The authors conclude that exposure of mice to an 835 MHz electromagnetic field could have an effect on the protein expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial-derived neurotrophic factor in the central auditory system, which in turn might affect its function.

Study character:

Study funded by

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