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Effect of low-level 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation on the rat sciatic nerve and the protective role of paricalcitol.

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Comelekoglu U, Aktas S, Demirbag B, Karagul MI, Yalin S, Yildirim M, Akar A, Korunur Engiz B, Sogut F, Ozbay E. · 2018

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Cell phone frequency radiation damaged rat nerves in just four weeks of one-hour daily exposure, but antioxidants provided partial protection.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Turkish researchers exposed rats to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) for one hour daily over four weeks and found significant damage to the sciatic nerve, which controls leg function. The nerve damage included slower electrical signals, increased oxidative stress, and physical deterioration of nerve fibers. However, when rats were also given paricalcitol (a vitamin D derivative), the nerve damage was partially prevented.

Why This Matters

This study adds to mounting evidence that radiofrequency radiation can damage peripheral nerves, not just brain tissue. The 1800 MHz frequency tested is identical to what many GSM cell phones emit, making these findings directly relevant to everyday exposure. What's particularly concerning is that nerve damage occurred with just one hour of daily exposure over four weeks. The fact that an antioxidant compound provided partial protection suggests oxidative stress plays a key role in RF-induced nerve damage. This research reinforces the importance of minimizing unnecessary RF exposure, especially prolonged exposure near the body where phones are typically carried.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 1800 MHz Duration: 1 h per day for 4 weeks

Study Details

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of 1,800 MHz RF radiation and the protective role of paricalcitol on the rat sciatic nerve.

Rats were divided into four groups as control, paricalcitol, RF, and RF + paricalcitol. In RF groups...

In the RF group, a significant reduction in amplitude, prolongation in latency, an increase in the M...

Cite This Study
Comelekoglu U, Aktas S, Demirbag B, Karagul MI, Yalin S, Yildirim M, Akar A, Korunur Engiz B, Sogut F, Ozbay E. (2018). Effect of low-level 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation on the rat sciatic nerve and the protective role of paricalcitol. Bioelectromagnetics. 39(8):631-643, 2018.
Show BibTeX
@article{u_2018_effect_of_lowlevel_1800_1626,
  author = {Comelekoglu U and Aktas S and Demirbag B and Karagul MI and Yalin S and Yildirim M and Akar A and Korunur Engiz B and Sogut F and Ozbay E.},
  title = {Effect of low-level 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation on the rat sciatic nerve and the protective role of paricalcitol.},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.22149},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.22149},
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.22149

Cited By (11 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research shows cell phone radiation can damage nerve function. A 2018 Turkish study found that 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation caused significant damage to rats' sciatic nerves after just one hour daily exposure for four weeks, including slower electrical signals and physical deterioration of nerve fibers.
Yes, 1800 MHz radiation appears harmful to nervous system function. Turkish researchers found this frequency, commonly used by cell phones, caused nerve damage in rats including increased oxidative stress, slower nerve signals, and physical deterioration of nerve fibers after four weeks of exposure.
Phone radiation may affect leg function by damaging the sciatic nerve that controls leg movement. A 2018 study found 1800 MHz radiation caused significant sciatic nerve damage in rats, including slower electrical signals and physical deterioration that could impact leg function.
Cell phone radiation may cause nerve damage including slower electrical signals and physical deterioration of nerve fibers. A 2018 study found 1800 MHz exposure caused significant sciatic nerve damage in rats, though vitamin D derivatives showed some protective effects against this damage.
Radiofrequency radiation impacts nerve health by increasing oxidative stress and causing physical damage to nerve fibers. Research found 1800 MHz exposure reduced nerve signal amplitude, prolonged signal timing, and caused degeneration in myelinated nerve fibers consistent with neuropathy.