The effects of acute and chronic exposure of 3G UMTS 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation on rat mismatch negativity

Authors: Er H, Hidisoglu E, Deniz Kantar D, Acun AD, Akkoyunlu G, Sukru Ozen S, Yargicoglu P

Year: 2026

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2025.102126

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687850725008386

Abstract

Overview

Cell phones emit radiofrequency radiation (RFR), a form of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), raising concerns about their potential risks to human health—particularly effects on the brain and auditory systems. This study investigates the impact of both acute (1-week) and chronic (10-week) exposures to 2100 MHz RFR—simulating 3G UMTS emissions—on mismatch negativity (MMN), a marker of auditory sensory memory, in rats.

Methods

  • Rats were assigned to acute (RFR1) and chronic (RFR10) exposure groups, alongside cage control (CC1, CC10) and sham (S1, S10) groups.
  • Exposure: 2100 MHz, 35.2 V/m, SAR 128 mW/kg whole-body, 0.27 W/kg brain.
  • Assessment: Auditory event-related potentials (AERP), MMN wave analysis, biochemical, and histological evaluations of brain tissue.

Findings

  • Acute exposure (RFR1): Led to reduced AMPAR GluR2 protein levels and increased GFAP, with visible brain changes (astrocytic endfeet edema, mitochondrial damage, lysosomal vesicles).
  • MMN amplitude, delta and theta power, and alpha coherence were significantly reduced in RFR1 compared to controls.
  • The acute period indicated adverse effects on auditory sensory memory and possible disruption of normal brain function by RFR exposure.
  • Chronic exposure (RFR10): Showed opposite protein expression trends and enhanced MMN parameters compared to chronic controls, hinting at time-dependent adaptive or protective responses in brain tissue.
  • No significant differences were observed in lipid peroxidation, suggesting the effects are not mediated by this pathway.

Conclusion

This research concludes that 2100 MHz RFR exposure can acutely impair auditory sensory memory—an effect associated with neurochemical and structural brain changes, implicating a link between electromagnetic field exposure and brain health risks. Chronic exposure may trigger endogenous protective mechanisms but also signals the need for further investigation, especially regarding relevance to human health.

Note: The potential health risk from electromagnetic fields, particularly from radiofrequency radiation as studied here, should not be underestimated—clear physiological impacts were observed, underlining the urgency for further research and precautionary measures.

radiofrequency radiation UMTS auditory system mismatch negativity sensory memory rats electromagnetic fields
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