Neurotoxic effects of 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF exposure on cultured DRG neurons: a mechanistic insight into oxidative and apoptotic pathways
This in vitro study examined strictly non-thermal, GSM-like 3.5 GHz RF-EMF exposure in cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons for 1–24 hours. The authors report time-dependent reductions in cell viability alongside increased ROS and changes consistent with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (e.g., Bax/caspase-3 up, cytochrome c release, Bcl-2 down) and increased p75NTR. They conclude these findings provide mechanistic evidence of peripheral neuronal vulnerability to mid-band RF exposure and call for further in vivo research.
Key points
- Cultured mouse DRG neurons were exposed to pulsed 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF-EMF for 1–24 hours in a GTEM-based setup.
- Temperature was controlled to keep exposure strictly non-thermal (reported <0.1°C difference) with dosimetry aligned to IEEE/IEC guidance.
- The study reports a significant, time-dependent decrease in neuronal cell viability after RF-EMF exposure.
- ROS levels were reported to increase robustly following exposure, suggesting disrupted redox balance.
- Markers consistent with mitochondrial apoptosis were reported to shift toward a pro-apoptotic profile (Bax and caspase-3 up, cytochrome c release, Bcl-2 down).
- p75NTR was reported to be upregulated, interpreted as maladaptive neurotrophin signaling.
- Maximal reported effects occurred at 12–24 hours post-exposure.
- Reported SARs were total 171 mW/kg, 1-g 270 mW/kg, and peak 1149 mW/kg under non-thermal conditions.
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AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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