Mobile phone radiation effects into ERK1, ERK2 and PKCα signaling pathway of Wistar rats pituitary

Abstract

Over the last few years, the mobile communication system has increased significantly. Some researches about the radiation emitted by mobile phones have been trying to verify possible modifications on gland functions. ERK1, ERK2 and PKCα enzymes have pivotal role on controlling synthesis and secretion of pituitary and hypothalamic hormones. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the radiation emitted by mobile phones into the expression and activity of ERK1 and ERK2 and expression of PKCα in Wistar rats pituitary cells. Wistar male rats, 60 days old, were exposed to the radiation emitted by mobile phone (1800 MHz) during 1 or 3 hours uninterrupted. The pituitary gland of the animals was removed in order to analyze the expression of those enzymes and activity of ERK1 and ERK2, by Western Blot. After 1 hour of exposure, it was not observed any significant modification in the expression of ERK1, ERK2 and PKCα. The activity of ERK1 and ERK2 was shown to be reduced in the exposed animals. After 3 hours of exposure, the expression of ERK1 and ERK2 was not altered, although the activity of these enzymes and expression of PKCα was reduced in the exposed animals. According to these data, the exposure to this kind of radiation may alter the signaling pathways in which ERK's and PKCα are involved, and, consequently, the normal physiology of pituitary cells.Financial Support: CNPq, Capes, Fapemig and UFJF.