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Radiofrequency radiation at 1950 MHz (UMTS) does not affect key cellular endpoints in neuron‐like PC12 cells
Author(s) -
Zeni Olga,
Sannino Anna,
Sarti Maurizio,
Romeo Stefania,
Massa Rita,
Scarfì Maria R.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.21712
Subject(s) - bioelectromagnetics , umts frequency bands , specific absorption rate , non ionizing radiation , carcinogenesis , radio frequency , medicine , biology , cancer research , neuroscience , physics , cancer , computer science , telecommunications , quantum mechanics , magnetic field , antenna (radio)
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. Bioelectromagnetics 33:497–507, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.