The effects of short-term and long-term 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation on adult rat auditory brainstem response

Abstract

Overview

Mobile phones utilizing radiofrequency radiation (RFR) are ubiquitous in modern life, yet concerns regarding their possible adverse health impacts persist. Notably, effects such as headaches, sleep disorders, dizziness, reduced sperm quality, altered brain potentials, increased oxidative stress, and decreased antioxidant parameters have been reported in association with mobile phone usage.

Study Aim & Methods

This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of 2100 MHz RFR exposure on the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in adult rats. Experiments involved four groups of rats (n=10 each): two sham groups (1- and 10-week exposures without RFR) and two experimental groups exposed to 2100 MHz RFR for 1 week or 10 weeks (2 hours/day, 5 days/week). ABR measurements were taken, with additional biochemical and ultrastructural brain analyses.

Findings

• Acute 2100 MHz RFR exposure resulted in prolonged ABR wave latencies compared to controls.
• Significant increases in brain 4-hydroxynonenal, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and protein carbonyl content were observed, alongside decreases in catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in the acute exposure group.
• Structural brain changes included neuronal edema, astrocyte swelling, disrupted astrocytic end-feet, and mitochondrial damage in astrocytes.

Conclusion

The data indicate that acute exposure to 2100 MHz RFR may adversely impact the auditory system in rats, suggesting a clear link between EMF exposure and neural/oxidative stress responses. Chronic exposure, with rest days, did not show harmful effects under these experimental conditions.