Abstract
We studied the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) exposure on neuronal functions of mice. Particularly, we focused on RF-EMF effects on synaptic vesicles (SVs), which store neurotransmitters at axon terminals or synaptic boutons. C57 BL/6 mice were exposed to 835 MHz RF-EMF (4.0 W/kg SAR, for 5 h daily) and alterations in SVs at presynaptic terminals in the cerebral cortex were determined. Ultrastructure of randomly selected cortical neurons was observed using typical electron microscopy and bio-high voltage electron microscopy (Bio-HVEM) methods, which enable the estimation of the numbers and size of SVs. The density of the SVs (number /10 μm2 or 40 μm3) was significantly decreased in the presynaptic boutons of cortical neurons after RF-EMF exposure. Furthermore, qPCR and immunoblotting analyses revealed that the expression of synapsins I/II (Syns I/II) genes and proteins were significantly decreased in the cortical neurons of RF-EMF exposed mice. The present study suggested that alteration of SVs and Syn levels may result in alterations of neurotransmitters in the cerebral cortex following RF-EMF exposure.
Highlights
Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) is inevitable owing to widespread usage of mobile phones and wireless communication devices in modern life
We explored whether the synaptic vesicles (SVs) at cerebral cortex of C57BL/6 mice is affected by 835 MHz RF-EMF (4.0 W/kg specific absorption rate (SAR), for 5 h/day, for 4 and 12 weeks) exposure
The results indicated that the number of SVs in a unit area of presynaptic terminals was significantly decreased in the 4 weeks RF-EMF exposed group (179.3 ± 11.24) by comparing with the control group (211.6 ± 15.85)
Summary
Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) is inevitable owing to widespread usage of mobile phones and wireless communication devices in modern life. The use of these devices has raised public concerns and substantial controversy regarding the potential biological health effects of RF-EMF exposure in humans [1]. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified RF-EMF as a Group 2B carcinogen, and warned the public of the potential biological risks of mobile phone use [2]. Mobile phone usage usually requires immediate contact with the head and implicates a closeproximity exposure and a high possibility of the RF-EMF affecting the brain nervous system. The correlation between cancer or neurological diseases and RF-EMFs is still unclear.
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