Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of GSM-like radiofrequency on distortion product otoacoustic emissions in pregnant adult rabbits med./bio.

By: Budak GG, Muluk NB, Ozturk GG, Budak B, Apan A, Seyhan N, Sanli C

Published in: Clin Invest Med 2009; 32 (2): E112-E116

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of 1800 MHz GSM-like radiofrequency exposure on the cochlear functions of pregnant adult rabbits.

Background/further details

18 pregnant (day 15-22 of gestation) and 18 non-pregnant rabbits were divided into four groups: 1) Nine pregnant not exposed animals, 2) nine pregnant exposed rabbits, 3) nine non-pregnant not-exposed rabbits, and 4) nine non-pregnant exposed animals.

Endpoint

effects on auditory system: effects on cochlear functions

Exposure

- 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 on 7 days	power: 0.1 W

General information

animals were divided into four groups: i)pregnant rabbits not exposed ii) pregnant rabbits exposed iii) non-pregnant rabbits not exposed iv) non-pregnant rabbits exposed

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	1,800 MHz
Type	electric field magnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 15 min/day on 7 days

Modulation

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

Exposure setup

Exposure source	horn antenna
Chamber	shielded room

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power	0.1 W	-	-	-	-

Exposed system:

animal
rabbit/New Zealand
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on auditory system: effects on cochlear functions (distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), mean stimulus intensity and emission amplitudes for the frequencies of 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 Hz); ear examination (otoscope)

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

Time of investigation:

before exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

DPOAE amplitudes were not different for exposed and not exposed pregnant animals except for 2.0 kHz (decreased in exposed animals). In group 4 (non-pregnant, exposed), DPOAE amplitudes at 1.0-4.0 kHz were lower than in group 3 (non-pregnant, not exposed rabbits). In the pregnant group, harmful effects of GSM-like radiofrequency exposure were less present than in the non-pregnant group. During pregnancy increased inner ear volume may help to reduce the damage.
The authors conclude that GSM-like radiofrequency exposure caused decreases in DPOAE amplitudes mainly in non-pregnant adult rabbits. Prolonged exposure may affect the DPOAE amplitude.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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