Effects of In Vivo Exposure to GSM-Modulated 900 MHz Radiation on Mouse Peripheral Lymphocytes.

Gatta L, Pinto R, Ubaldi V, Pace L, Galloni P, Lovisolo GA, Marino C, Pioli C

Radiat Res. 160(5):600-605, 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether daily whole-body exposure to 900 MHz GSM-modulated radiation could affect spleen lymphocytes. C57BL/6 mice were exposed 2 h/day for 1, 2 or 4 weeks in a TEM cell to an SAR of 1 or 2 W/kg. Untreated and sham-exposed groups were also examined.

At the end of the exposure, mice were killed humanely and spleen cells were collected. The number of spleen cells, the percentages of B and T cells, and the distribution of T-cell subpopulations (CD4 and CD8) were not altered by the exposure.

T and B cells were also stimulated ex vivo using specific monoclonal antibodies or LPS to induce cell proliferation, cytokine production and expression of activation markers. The results did not show relevant differences in either T or B lymphocytes from mice exposed to an SAR of 1 or 2 W/kg and sham-exposed mice with few exceptions. After 1 week of exposure to 1 or 2 W/kg, an increase in IFN-gamma (Ifng) production was observed that was not evident when the exposure was prolonged to 2 or 4 weeks. This suggests that the immune system might have adapted to RF radiation as it does with other stressing agents.

All together, our in vivo data indicate that the T- and B-cell compartments were not substantially affected by exposure to RF radiation and that a clinically relevant effect of RF radiation on the immune system is unlikely to occur.