Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of exposure to 2100MHz GSM-like radiofrequency electromagnetic field on auditory system of rats med./bio.

Published in: Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017; 83 (6): 691-696

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of exposure of rats to a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field (GSM) on the auditory system should be investigated.

Background/further details

The cochlear nuclei, which were investigated in this study, are two nerve nuclei in the brain stem, which carry information from the hair cells in the inner ear to the brain.
Rats were divided into 2 groups (n=7 each): 1) exposure group and 2) control group.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2,100 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2,100 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 30 days
Additional info simulated talk mode of a mobile phone
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 20 cm
Chamber plastic rat cage
Setup a 15 cm long rod antenna connected to an EMF generator was placed below the rat cage and was positioned parallel to the short axis of the cage; rats could move freely at a maximum distance of 20 cm to the antenna
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 3.47 mW - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Histopathologic analysis showed significantly increased signs of degeneration and significantly more apoptotic cells in the exposure group compared to the control group.
There were no significant differences in acoustic evoked brainstem potentials between the groups.
The authors conclude that exposure of rats to a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field (GSM) might cause degeneration in the cochlear nuclei.

Study character:

Study funded by

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