Neurotoxic effects of 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF exposure on cultured DRG neurons: a mechanistic insight into oxidative and apoptotic pathways
Bektas H, Seker A, Ustun R, Dogu S · 2026
Non-thermal GSM-like 3.5 GHz RF-EMF exposure significantly reduced viability, elevated ROS, and activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways in primary mouse DRG neurons.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed primary mouse dorsal root ganglion cultures to pulsed 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF-EMF for 1 to 24 hours in a GTEM-based setup. Dosimetry confirmed non-thermal exposure with temperature differences below 0.1°C. They assessed cell viability, ROS levels, mitochondrial apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, caspase-3), and p75^NTR using blinded confocal analysis. Exposure caused a time-dependent reduction in viability, robust ROS elevations, increased Bax and caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2, and cytochrome c release, with maximal effects at 12 to 24 hours. p75^NTR upregulation indicated maladaptive neurotrophin signaling.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{bektas_h_seker_a_ustun_r_dogu_s_ce4727,
author = {Bektas H and Seker A and Ustun R and Dogu S},
title = {Neurotoxic effects of 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF exposure on cultured DRG neurons: a mechanistic insight into oxidative and apoptotic pathways},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1080/09553002.2026.2617592},
}