Changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in rabbits lens epithelial cells induced by low power density microwave radiation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the changes in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by low power density microwave radiation in rabbits lens epithelial cells (LECs) and its mechanisms. METHODS: Rabbits' eyes were exposed to 5 mW/cm(2) and 10 mW/cm(2) power densities of microwave radiation for 3 hours. The fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching (FRAP) method was used to determine the GJIC. The localization and function of connexin 43 in LECs was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy. RESULTS: The GJIC of rabbits LECs was inhibited by microwave radiation especially in the 10 mW/cm(2) irradiated samples. A decrease in connexin 43-positive staining was seen in 5 mW/cm(2) x 3 h treated LECs. Intracellular space accumulation and cytoplasmic internalization were clearly demonstrated in 10 mW/cm(2) group. CONCLUSIONS: Low power densities microwave radiation (5 mW/cm(2) and 10 mW/cm(2)) induces damage to connexin 43 and inhibits the GJIC of rabbits LECs. These changes result in an osmotic imbalance within the lens and induce early cataract. 5 mW/cm(2) or 10 mW/cm(2) microwave radiation is cataractogenic.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Rabbit eyes exposed to microwave radiation at 5 mW/cm^2 or 10 mW/cm^2 for 3 hours showed inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication in lens epithelial cells, with stronger inhibition at 10 mW/cm^2. Connexin 43-positive staining decreased at 5 mW/cm^2, and intracellular space accumulation with cytoplasmic internalization was reported at 10 mW/cm^2. The authors conclude these changes could lead to osmotic imbalance and early cataract and describe the exposures as cataractogenic.

Outcomes measured

• Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in lens epithelial cells (FRAP)
• Connexin 43 localization/staining (confocal microscopy)
• Lens osmotic imbalance/early cataract (inferred by authors as outcome)

Limitations

• Microwave frequency not reported
• Sample size not reported
• Outcome of cataract appears to be a conclusion/inference; direct cataract incidence/assessment methods are not described in the abstract

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "microwave",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "3 hours"
    },
    "population": "Rabbits (lens epithelial cells/eyes exposed)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in lens epithelial cells (FRAP)",
        "Connexin 43 localization/staining (confocal microscopy)",
        "Lens osmotic imbalance/early cataract (inferred by authors as outcome)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Rabbit eyes exposed to microwave radiation at 5 mW/cm^2 or 10 mW/cm^2 for 3 hours showed inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication in lens epithelial cells, with stronger inhibition at 10 mW/cm^2. Connexin 43-positive staining decreased at 5 mW/cm^2, and intracellular space accumulation with cytoplasmic internalization was reported at 10 mW/cm^2. The authors conclude these changes could lead to osmotic imbalance and early cataract and describe the exposures as cataractogenic.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Microwave frequency not reported",
        "Sample size not reported",
        "Outcome of cataract appears to be a conclusion/inference; direct cataract incidence/assessment methods are not described in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "microwave radiation",
        "low power density",
        "rabbit",
        "lens epithelial cells",
        "gap junctional intercellular communication",
        "GJIC",
        "connexin 43",
        "cataract"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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