Exposure to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency modulates calcitonin-dependent activity and HSP-90 protein in parafollicular cells of rat thyroid gland

Abstract

Overview

In a comprehensive study, researchers investigated the impact of 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation on parafollicular cells of the rat thyroid gland. A specific focus was on the cell's calcitonin activity and the expression of the Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP-90), using a controlled subthermal diathermy setup.

Experimental Details

• Rat Model: Forty-two Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control and exposed groups, with exposures of 0, 3, or 12 W for 30 minutes in a Gigahertz Transverse Electro-Magnetic chamber.
• Methodology: Researchers utilized both simple and fluorescence immunohistochemistry to measure responses in calcitonin-positive cells and indicators of cellular stress like hyperplasia and HSP-90 levels.

Findings

Post-exposure results showed significant increases in immunomarking of calcitonin-positive cells in exposed rats. Moreover, co-localization of HSP-90 and calcitonin was significantly reduced 90 minutes after exposure and remained low even 24 hours later, demonstrating sustained alterations in cell activity and stress responses.

Conclusion

The study provides strong evidence that subthermal exposure to 2.45 GHz RF acts as a harmful stress stimulus on parafollicular cells, disrupting the normal cellular homeostasis and activity. These observations echo the potential health hazards of EMFs, particularly in glandular cellular structures. While the extrapolation to human subjects remains to be precisely determined, the results emphasize the need for ongoing research in human models to establish clear health guidelines regarding RF exposures.