Microtubular structure impairment after GSM-modulated RF radiation exposure

  • Ana Marija Marjanović Čermak Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Krunoslav Ilić Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Ivan Pavičić Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Keywords: 915 MHz, cell growth, cytoskeleton, in vitro, mobile phone radiation

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate whether low-level 915 MHz GSM-modulated radiofrequency (RF) radiation impairs microtubular structure and affects normal cell growth. V79 cells were exposed to a GSM-modulated field in a Gigahertz Transversal Electromagnetic Mode cell (GTEM cell) for 1, 2, and 3 h. Signal generator combined with power and chip modulator generated the electromagnetic field (EMF). The electric field strength was adjusted to 10, 20, and 30 V/m, and the average specific absorption rate (SAR) was calculated to be 0.23, 0.8, and 1.6 W/kg. The structure of microtubule proteins was assessed by indirect immunocytochemistry, and cell growth was determined based on cell counts taken every day over six post-exposure days. Three-hour radiation exposure significantly altered microtubule structure regardless of the electric field strength. Moreover, on the third post-exposure day, three-hour radiation significantly reduced cell growth, regardless of field strength. The same was observed with two-hour exposure at 20 and 30 V/m. In conclusion, 915 MHz GSM-modulated RF radiation affects microtubular proteins in a time-dependent manner, which, in turn, affects cell proliferation. Our future research will focus on microtubule structure throughout the cell cycle and RF radiation effects on mitotic spindle.

Published
2020-09-10
How to Cite
1.
Marjanović Čermak AM, Ilić K, Pavičić I. Microtubular structure impairment after GSM-modulated RF radiation exposure. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol [Internet]. 2020Sep.10 [cited 2024Mar.29];71(3). Available from: https://arhiv.imi.hr/index.php/arhiv/article/view/1100
Section
Original article

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