2.1 GHz electromagnetic field does not change contractility and intracellular Ca2+ transients but decreases β-adrenergic responsiveness through nitric oxide signaling in rat ventricular myocytes.
Olgar Y, Hidisoglu E, Celen MC, Yamasan BE, Yargicoglu P, Ozdemir S. · 2015
View Original AbstractChronic 2.1 GHz exposure reduced heart cells' stress response without affecting basic function, suggesting hidden cardiovascular impacts.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rats to 2.1 GHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 2 hours daily over 10 weeks and studied how their heart muscle cells responded. While the basic heart muscle contractions remained normal, the cells became less responsive to adrenaline-like stress hormones, and nitric oxide levels in the heart increased significantly. This suggests that chronic RF exposure may alter how the heart responds to stress, even when basic heart function appears unchanged.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a concerning finding that RF radiation at cell phone frequencies can disrupt the heart's stress response system, even when basic cardiac function appears normal. The reduced responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation means the heart may not respond appropriately during times of physical or emotional stress when adrenaline levels rise. What makes this particularly relevant is that 2.1 GHz falls within the range of frequencies used by modern wireless devices. The researchers found these effects occurred through increased nitric oxide signaling, providing a biological mechanism for how RF exposure might influence cardiovascular health. While the study doesn't specify exact exposure levels, the 2-hour daily exposure over 10 weeks represents chronic, low-level exposure similar to patterns many people experience with regular device use.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 2.1 GHz Duration: 2 h/day for 10 weeks
Study Details
In this study we investigated the effect of 2.1 GHz EMF on contractility and beta-adrenergic (β-AR) responsiveness of ventricular myocytes.
Rats were randomized to the following groups: Sham rats (SHAM) and rats exposed to 2.1 GHz EMF for 2...
Fractional shortening and amplitude of the matched Ca2+ transients were not changed in EM-10 rats. A...
Long-term exposure to 2.1 GHz EMF decreases β-AR responsiveness of ventricular myocytes through NO signaling.
Show BibTeX
@article{y_2015_21_ghz_electromagnetic_field_1684,
author = {Olgar Y and Hidisoglu E and Celen MC and Yamasan BE and Yargicoglu P and Ozdemir S.},
title = {2.1 GHz electromagnetic field does not change contractility and intracellular Ca2+ transients but decreases β-adrenergic responsiveness through nitric oxide signaling in rat ventricular myocytes.},
year = {2015},
doi = {10.3109/09553002.2015.1068462},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09553002.2015.1068462},
}