Effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation at 835 MHz on growth, morphology and secretory characteristics of a mast cell analogue, RBL-2H3.
A mast cell line, RBL-2H3, was exposed to 835 MHz for 20 minutes, three times per day for 7 days at a power density of 8.1 +/- 3 mW/cm2. From day 4 onwards, it was observed that the rate of DNA synthesis and cell replication increased, that actin distribution and cell morphology became altered, and the amount of beta-hexosaminidase (a marker of granule secretion) released in response to a calcium ionophore was significantly enhanced, in comparison to unexposed cultures. There were no effects seen on levels of cytoskeletal protein synthesis or of beta-actin mRNA. Morphological changes persisted following subculture for at least 7 days in the absence of further exposure. It is hypothesized that effects of exposure to an electromagnetic field at 835 MHz may be mediated via a signal transduction pathway.
Donnellan
M
M
Centre for Immunology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW.
McKenzie
D R
DR
French
P W
PW
D000199:Actins / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000528:radiation effects; D002460:Cell Line; D048429:Cell Size / Q000528:radiation effects; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011827:Radiation; D051381:Rats; D001619:beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins; D004247:DNA; D001619:beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases