Radiofrequency radiation at 1950 MHz (UMTS) does not affect key cellular endpoints in neuron‐like PC12 cells

Abstract

In this study, rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were exposed, as a model of neuron-like cells, to 1950 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation with a signal used by the 3G wireless technology of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to assess possible adverse effects. RF exposure for 24 h at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 10 W/kg was carried out in a waveguide system under accurately controlled environmental and dosimetric parameters. DNA integrity, cell viability, and apoptosis were investigated as cellular endpoints relevant for carcinogenesis and other diseases of the central nervous system. Very sensitive biological assays were employed to assess the effects immediately after RF exposure and 24 h later, as demonstrated by the cellular response elicited in PC12 cells using positive control treatments provided for each assay. In our experimental conditions, 24 h of RF exposure at a carrier frequency and modulation scheme typical of a UMTS signal was not able to elicit any effect in the selected cellular endpoints in undifferentiated PC12 cells, despite the application of a higher SAR value than those applied in the majority of the studies reported in the literature.

Adaptive response in human blood lymphocytes exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields: resistance to ionizing radiation-induced damage

“…A short-circuited waveguide-based exposure system was employed and described in great detail in our earlier publication [26]. It was originally designed to expose four cell cultures in 35-mm Petri dishes to two different SAR levels simultaneously, by placing sample centres in a specific position inside the waveguide and at a specific distance from each other.…”

Effects of 60-GHz millimeter waves on neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells using high-content screening

“…PC12 cells have the particularity to differentiate into a sympathetic neuron-like phenotype when treated with the neurotrophic factor nerve growth factor (NGF) [15] and have therefore been extensively used to assess the effects of chemical compounds on neuronal physiology [16]. Many studies assessing the impact of EMF on a wide range of neuronal physiology mechanisms used this model, mostly in the RF range [17][18][19]. The NGF-induced PC12 differentiation induces a cellular phenomenon called neurite outgrowth.…”

Identification of a Novel Rat NR2B Subunit Gene Promoter Region Variant and Its Association with Microwave-Induced Neuron Impairment

“…Furthermore, our previous study showed that 30 mW/cm 2 microwave exposure (for 5 min) induced a decrease in amino acid release and the expression and phosphorylation of synapsin I, as well as abnormal expression and interaction of BDNF and TrkB in PC12 cells [54]. However, some studies showed that radiofrequency radiation (2 W/kg for 2 h) did not influence intracellular ROS levels in neuronal cells such as U87, PC12 or SH-SY5Y [55] and exposure to 10 W/kg for 24 h did not affect DNA integrity, cell viability, and apoptosis in PC12 cells [56].…”