Effect of acute millimeter wave exposure on dopamine metabolism of NGF-treated PC12 cells

Authors: Haas AJ, Le Page Y, Zhadobov M, Sauleau R, Dréan YL, Saligaut C

Year: 2017 Feb 24

Category: Radiation Research

Journal: J Radiat Res

DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrx004

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28339776

Abstract

Overview

With the increasing deployment of wireless telecommunication systems that utilize electromagnetic frequencies at millimeter waves (MMWs), attention to their health effects has become crucial. Particularly, the 60-GHz frequency band, expected to be heavily utilized, demands thorough investigation.

Findings

  • Investigation focused on the impact of a 24-hour MMW exposure at 60.4 GHz and an incident power density of 5 mW/cm² on dopamine metabolism in NGF-treated PC12 cells.
  • The study used high-performance liquid chromatography to measure intracellular and extracellular dopamine and DOPAC levels.
  • Immunocytochemistry helped assess changes in dopamine transporter (DAT) protein expression.
  • Results indicated that while dopamine turnover and DAT protein levels were unaffected, there was a slight, though not significant, increase in extracellular DOPAC accumulation.

Conclusion

This increase in DOPAC was attributed to a thermal effect of MMW exposure. Importantly, no evidence suggested non-thermal effects of MMW on dopamine metabolism, in line with safety concerns about EMFs and their interaction with neurological structures.

electromagnetic fields millimeter waves dopamine metabolism PC12 cells MMW exposure
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