Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Variations in amino acid neurotransmitters in some brain areas of adult and young male albino rats due to exposure to mobile phone radiation med./bio.

By: Noor NA, Mohammed HS, Ahmed NA, Radwan NM

Published in: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2011; 15 (7): 729-742

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effect of one hour daily exposure to electromagnetic fields with a frequency of 900 MHz on the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters in the midbrain, cerebellum and medulla of adult (four month) and young (one month) male rats.

Background/further details

The determination of amino acid levels was carried out after one hour of exposure and following one, two and four months of exposure as well as one month after termination of exposure of four months. The subgroups of the different removed animal groups comprised 5-8 animals.

Endpoint

effects on the neurological system: amino acid neurotransmitter levels in different brain areas

Exposure

- 900 MHz
- mobile communications
- mobile phone

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz Exposure duration: continuous for 1 h/day for up to 4 months	power density: 0.02 mW/cm² SAR: 1.165 W/kg

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	900 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 1 h/day for up to 4 months

Exposure setup

Exposure source	not specified
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power density	0.02 mW/cm²	-	-	-	-
SAR	1.165 W/kg	-	-	-	-

Reference articles

Khadrawy VA et al. (2009): Effect of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone on the levels of cortical amino acid neurotransmitters in adult and young rats

Exposed system:

animal
rat/albino

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the neurological system: amino acid neurotransmitter levels (excitatory amino acids (glutamic acid, aspartic acid) and inhibitory amino acids (glutamine, GABA, glycine, taurine)) in different brain areas (midbrain, cerebellum, medulla); HPLC

Investigated system:

cell homogenates and supernatants

Investigated organ system:

brain/CNS

Time of investigation:

during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed a significant increase in both excitatory and inhibitory amino acids in the cerebellum of adult and young rats as well as in the midbrain of adult animals after one hour of electromagnetic field exposure. In the midbrain of adult animals, there were significant increases in the glycine level (after one month) and in the GABA level (after one hour and four months).
Young rats showed significant decreases in the midbrain excitatory amino acids.
In the medulla, the data showed a state of neurochemical inhibition in adult animals after four months, whereas in young animals, the neurochemical inhibitory state was observed after one month of exposure due to significant decreases in glutamate and aspartate levels. This state was converted to an excitation state after 4 months due to the increase in glutamate level.
The authors conclude that the changes in amino acid concentrations may underlie adverse effects of mobile phone use.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt

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