Age-dependent effects of in vitro radiofrequency exposure (mobile phone) on CD95+ T helper human lymphocytes

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006 May:1067:493-9. doi: 10.1196/annals.1354.071.

Abstract

Recent studies on "nonthermal" effects of mobile phone radiofrequency (RF) suggest that RF can interact with cellular functions and molecular pathways. To study the possible RF effects on human lymphocyte activation, we analyzed CD25, CD95, CD28 molecules in unstimulated and stimulated CD4+ e CD8+ T cells in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from young and elderly donors were exposed or sham-exposed to RF (1,800 MHz, Specific Absorption Rate 2 W/kg) with or without mitogenic stimulation. No significant changes in the percentage of these cell subsets were found between exposed and sham-exposed lymphocytes in both young and elderly donors. Nevertheless, after RF exposure we observed a slight, but significant, downregulation of CD95 expression in stimulated CD4+ T lymphocytes from elderly, but not from young donors. This age-related result is noteworthy given the importance of a such molecule in regulation of the immune response.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / radiation effects*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / radiation effects
  • Cell Phone*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / cytology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / radiation effects
  • Radio Waves*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / radiation effects*
  • fas Receptor / radiation effects*

Substances

  • fas Receptor