Changes in the excitability of primary hippocampal neurons following exposure to 3.0 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields

Abstract

Changes in the excitability of primary hippocampal neurons following exposure to 3.0 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields Ibtissam Echchgadda, Jody C Cantu, Gleb P Tolstykh, Joseph W Butterworth, Jason A Payne, Bennett L Ibey. Changes in the excitability of primary hippocampal neurons following exposure to 3.0 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Sci Rep. 2022 Mar 3;12(1):3506. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-06914-0. Abstract Exposures to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs, 100 kHz to 6 GHz) have been associated with both positive and negative effects on cognitive behavior. To elucidate the mechanism of RF-EMF interaction, a few studies have examined its impact on neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. However, there is still a need for additional basic research that further our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of RF-EMFs on the neuronal system. The present study investigated changes in neuronal activity and synaptic transmission following a 60-min exposure to 3.0 GHz RF-EMF at a low dose (specific absorption rate (SAR) < 1 W/kg). We showed that RF-EMF exposure decreased the amplitude of action potential (AP), depolarized neuronal resting membrane potential (MP), and increased neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in cultured primary hippocampal neurons (PHNs). The results show that RF-EMF exposure can alter neuronal activity and highlight that more investigations should be performed to fully explore the RF-EMF effects and mechanisms. Excerpt In conclusion, our study does not provide sufficient evidence to support nor to refute RF-EMF non-thermal mechanism of interaction. However, the results described here are consistent with previous in vitro studies of influence of RF-EMF exposure on neuronal activity. Moreover, although our investigation of RF-EMF effects is on a simple cultured system, and thus cannot directly correlate to human level responses, the results appear to support the implication of changes of neuronal activity as a cellular mechanism that could potentially underlie RF-EMF mediated changes in cognitive function. Future studies need to compare changes from other conditions including, SAR dose–response, short, repetitive or long-term exposure duration, CW or pulsed signals, as well as verify the duration or recovery of the effects, as reversible electrophysiological changes can occur without adverse health effects. Open access paper: nature.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Following a 60-min exposure to 3.0 GHz RF-EMF at low dose (SAR < 1 W/kg), cultured primary hippocampal neurons showed decreased action potential amplitude, depolarized resting membrane potential, and increased neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. The authors conclude the study does not provide sufficient evidence to support or refute a non-thermal mechanism of interaction.

Outcomes measured

• Action potential (AP) amplitude
• Resting membrane potential (MP)
• Neuronal excitability
• Synaptic transmission

Limitations

• In vitro cultured system; cannot directly correlate to human-level responses
• Authors state insufficient evidence to support or refute RF-EMF non-thermal mechanism of interaction
• Need for additional conditions (e.g., SAR dose–response, short/repetitive/long-term exposure, CW vs pulsed, recovery/duration of effects)

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 3000,
        "sar_wkg": 1,
        "duration": "60 min"
    },
    "population": "Cultured primary hippocampal neurons (PHNs)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Action potential (AP) amplitude",
        "Resting membrane potential (MP)",
        "Neuronal excitability",
        "Synaptic transmission"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Following a 60-min exposure to 3.0 GHz RF-EMF at low dose (SAR < 1 W/kg), cultured primary hippocampal neurons showed decreased action potential amplitude, depolarized resting membrane potential, and increased neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. The authors conclude the study does not provide sufficient evidence to support or refute a non-thermal mechanism of interaction.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro cultured system; cannot directly correlate to human-level responses",
        "Authors state insufficient evidence to support or refute RF-EMF non-thermal mechanism of interaction",
        "Need for additional conditions (e.g., SAR dose–response, short/repetitive/long-term exposure, CW vs pulsed, recovery/duration of effects)"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
        "RF-EMF",
        "3.0 GHz",
        "specific absorption rate",
        "SAR < 1 W/kg",
        "primary hippocampal neurons",
        "neuronal excitability",
        "synaptic transmission",
        "action potential",
        "resting membrane potential"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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