Effect of 900MHz electromagnetic fields on energy metabolism of cerebral cortical neurons in postnatal rat
Authors not listed · 2004
Low-intensity 900MHz continuous microwave EMF at 9mW/cm2 (SAR = 3.22mW/g) for 2 hours per day over 4 or 5 consecutive days or 12 hours at a time significantly decreased cytochrome oxidase activity in postnatal rat cerebral cortical neurons (P < 0.001).
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed cerebral cortical neurons from postnatal rats to low-intensity 900MHz continuous microwave electromagnetic fields at 9mW/cm2 with a SAR of 3.22mW/g for 2 hours per day over 4 or 5 consecutive days and also for 12 hours at a time. They measured cytochrome oxidase activity as a marker of energy metabolism. Compared to sham-exposed neurons, cytochrome oxidase activity decreased significantly in neurons exposed for 2 hours per day and in those exposed for 12 hours (P < 0.001).
Why This Matters
The authors classified the down-regulation of cytochrome oxidase as a non-thermal effect. They observed a cumulative power effect in the neuronal response to the microwave. The effect on cytochrome oxidase could be recovered to some extent. The effect did not closely relate to the age of the neurons at first exposure.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{effect_of_900mhz_electromagnetic_fields_on_energy_metabolism_of_cerebral_cortical_neurons_in_postnatal_rat_ce1039,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Effect of 900MHz electromagnetic fields on energy metabolism of cerebral cortical neurons in postnatal rat},
year = {2004},
}