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

Publication date: Available online 5 November 2016
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Metin Çeliker, Abdulkadir Özgür, Levent Tümkaya, Suat Terzi, Mustafa Yılmaz, Yıldıray Kalkan, Ender Erdoğan
IntroductionThe use of mobile phones has become widespread in recent years. Although beneficial from the communication viewpoint, the electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by mobile phones may cause unwanted biological changes in the human body.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of 2100MHz Global System for Mobile communication (GSM-like) electromagnetic field (EMF), generated by an EMF generator, on the auditory system of rats by using electrophysiological, histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods.MethodsFourteen adult Wistar albino rats were included in the study. The rats were divided randomly into two groups of seven rats each. The study group was exposed continuously for 30days to a 2100MHz EMF with a signal level (power) of 5.4dBm (3.47mW) to simulate the talk mode on a mobile phone. The control group was not exposed to the aforementioned EMF. After 30days, the Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) of both groups were recorded and the rats were sacrificed. The cochlear nuclei were evaluated by histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods.ResultsThe ABR records of the two groups did not differ significantly. The histopathologic analysis showed increased degeneration signs in the study group (p=0.007). In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased apoptotic index in the study group compared to that in the control group (p=0.002).ConclusionThe results support that long-term exposure to a GSM-like 2100MHz EMF causes an increase in neuronal degeneration and apoptosis in the auditory system.



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