Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of GSM-Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Some Physiological and Biochemical Parameters in Rats med./bio.

Published in: Bull Exp Biol Med 2012; 153 (6): 816-819

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the main behavioral patterns and biochemical stress parameters in rats exposed to a GSM signal.

Background/further details

In the first experiment, acute and delayed effects of a GSM signal on behavioral pattern were examined. Therefore, 4 groups of male rats and 4 groups of female rats were investigated: 1.) 5 min after sham exposure, 2.) 5 min after exposure, 3.) 24 h after sham exposure and 4.) 24 h after exposure.
In the second experiment, acute (20 min) and delayed (24 h) effects of a GSM signal on the antioxidant defense system and on oxidative stress parameters were examined. Again, 4 male and 4 female groups (see above) were used.
Each group contained 10 rats.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 905 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 905 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 2 h
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Additional info

GSM in discontinuous transmission mode

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup animals placed in a plastic container
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2 W - - - -
SAR 1.67 W/kg - - whole body -

Reference articles

  • Belyaev IY et al. (2006): Exposure of rat brain to 915 MHz GSM microwaves induces changes in gene expression but not double stranded DNA breaks or effects on chromatin conformation

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the open field test, 5 minutes after exposure, male rats from the exposed group showed an increased vertical motor activity and more center visits compared to sham exposed males. On the contrary, exposed female rats showed a decreased horizontal and vertical motor activity, as well as less center visits, while the freezing time and the number of defecations was increased compared to sham exposed females. 24 hours after the exposure, exposed male rats showed less center visits than sham exposed males, while exposed females showed an increased number of defecations and an elongated freezing time compared with the sham exposed group.
Analysis of plasma levels of glucocorticoids revealed an increase 20 minutes after the exposure in male and female exposed rats compared to sham exposed ones, while the delayed effects (24 hours after exposure) were only seen in male exposed rats (decreased glucocorticoid levels).
Evaluation of the effects of exposure on the antioxidant defense system showed that the levels of lipid hydroperoxides decreased in male rats 20 minutes after exposure in comparison to the control. In exposed females, increased superoxide dismutase-like activity was detected 24 hours after exposure. No changes in other parameters of the antioxidant defense system occurred.
The authors suggest that a single exposure to a GSM signal with a frequency of 905 MHz could have an influence on locomotor, orientation and exploratory activities and anxiety of rats, as well as on the antioxidant defense system. Some of the observed effects could depend on animal gender.

Study character:

Study funded by

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