Effects of GSM and UMTS mobile telephony signals on neuron degeneration and blood-brain barrier permeation in the rat brain

Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 14;7(1):15496. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15690-1.

Abstract

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation and neuron degeneration were assessed in the rat brain following exposure to mobile communication radiofrequency (RF) signals (GSM-1800 and UMTS-1950). Two protocols were used: (i) single 2 h exposure, with rats sacrificed immediately, and 1 h, 1, 7, or 50 days later, and (ii) repeated exposures (2 h/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks) with the effects assessed immediately and 50 days after the end of exposure. The rats' heads were exposed at brain-averaged specific absorption rates (BASAR) of 0.026, 0.26, 2.6, and 13 W/kg. No adverse impact in terms of BBB leakage or neuron degeneration was observed after single exposures or immediately after the end of repeated exposure, with the exception of a transient BBB leakage (UMTS, 0.26 W/kg). Fifty days after repeated exposure, the occurrence of degenerating neurons was unchanged on average. However, a significant increased albumin leakage was detected with both RF signals at 13 W/kg. In this work, the strongest, delayed effect was induced by GSM-1800 at 13 W/kg. Considering that 13 W/kg BASAR in the rat head is equivalent to 4 times as much in the human head, deleterious effects may occur following repeated human brain exposure above 50 W/kg.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / radiation effects*
  • Cell Phone*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nerve Degeneration / etiology*
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Permeability / radiation effects
  • Radio Waves / adverse effects*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Treatment Outcome