Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of prenatal exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field on the dentate gyrus of rats: a stereological and histopathological study med./bio.

Published in: Brain Res 2008; 1238: 224-229

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to electromagnetic fields on the number of granule cells in the dentate gyrus of rats.

Background/further details

The production and plasticity of new neurons in the dentate gyrus may have an important role in hippocampal functions. Although the production of dentate gyrus granule cells begins prenatally, they are formed at a high rate during the first 20 days after birth. Pregnant rats (n=6) were assigned to a control group and a 900 MHz exposure group. The 4-weeks-old offspring of the control group (n=5) and the exposure group (n=6) was investigated.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: 60 min/day, from the first to the last day of gestation

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration 60 min/day, from the first to the last day of gestation
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1 cm
Setup 12 cm long plastic tube cage with a diameter of 5.5 cm, antenna inside the cage
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 1 mW/cm² spatial average measured - -
SAR 2 W/kg peak value calculated unspecified -

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)

Prenatal electromagnetic field exposure caused a decrease in the number of granule cells in the dentate gyrus of the rats compared to the control group. In the exposure group morphology was affected (increased number of granule cells with darkly stained neurons), whereas in the control group the morphology of the granule cells was normal. Both groups showed no significant difference in weight.
The results suggest that prenatal exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field affects the development of the dentate gyrus granule cells in the rat hippocampus.

Study character:

Study funded by

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