Expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos, in mouse brain after acute global system for mobile communication microwave exposure.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of acute exposure to global system for mobile communication radiofrequency fields on immediate early gene, c-fos, expression in the brain.


METHODS
Using a purpose-designed exposure system at 900 MHz, mice were given a single, far-field, whole body exposure for 60 minutes at a specific absorption rate of 4 W/kg. Control mice were sham-exposed or freely mobile in a cage without further restraint. c-fos protein expression was detected immunohistochemically in perfusion-fixed brains.


RESULTS
Activation of c-fos in exposed and sham-exposed brains was comparable, but was greatly increased compared with freely moving controls.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the majority of the acute genomic response detected by c-fos expression was due to immobilisation rather than irradiation.
Finnie
John W
JW
Veterinary Services Division, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. john.finnie@imvs.sa.gov.au
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D040421:Cell Phone; D016762:Genes, fos / Q000528:radiation effects*; D051379:Mice; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology