Effects of mobile phone type signals on calcium levels within human leukaemic T-cells (Jurkat cells).
OBJECTIVE
To test whether exposure to simulated GSM mobile phone signals (915 MHz, 2 W x kg(-1)) influences the concentration of calcium or calcium signalling patterns in a human lymphocyte cell line.


METHODS
The radiofrequency (RF) energy was delivered via a coaxial applicator to a perfused chamber where cells adherent to a thin glass coverslip were imaged by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Cell calcium concentration, estimated from Fluo-3 fluorescence, was monitored over two 10-min periods; control followed by exposed/sham, with exposure status assigned in a blind and randomized fashion. Both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave (PW) RF (on both phytohaemagglutanin-activated and unactivated cells) were studied (with an equal number of sham exposures) on 100 cells per category (total 800 cells).


RESULTS
No significant changes were noted for the following: regression slope of calcium fluorescence; mean calcium concentration; number of calcium 'spikes' in each 10 min; or mean height of these 'spikes'. The average frequency from Fourier spectra of these periods showed significant alteration in one category only: PW exposure of activated cells.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no clear indication that RF emissions from mobile phones are associated with any changes in calcium levels or calcium signalling in lymphocytes.
Cranfield
C G
CG
School of Biophysical Sciences & Electrical Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
Wood
A W
AW
Anderson
V
V
Menezes
K G
KG
D000814:Aniline Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D019169:Jurkat Cells; D007938:Leukemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013689:Telephone; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014966:Xanthenes / Q000494:pharmacology
D000814:Aniline Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; D014966:Xanthenes; C059715:Fluo-3; D002118:Calcium