[GSM 1,800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields induced clustering of membrane surface receptors and interference by noise magnetic fields].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possible effect of exposure to GSM 1,800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and its possible interference by noise magnetic fields (MF).


METHODS
Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CHL) were exposed to 1,800 MHz RF EMF (modulated by 217 Hz or 50 Hz, or unmodulated), 2 microT noise MF, and RF EMF combined with 2 microT noise MF for 15 min, respectively. The specific absorption rates (SARs) of RF EMF were 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 W/kg. Commercial EGF (1 ng/ml) treatment was used as positive control. EGF receptors on the cell membrane were observed under a laser scanning confocal microscope after indirect immunofluorescence staining.


RESULTS
EGF receptor clustering was induced after exposure to GSM 1,800 MHz RF EMF modulated by 217 Hz or 50 Hz MF at SARs of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 W/kg for 15 min as induced by 1 ng/ml EGF, but not at SAR of 0.1 W/kg. And no EGF receptor clustering was found in cells after exposure to unmodulated RF EMF or 2 microT noise MF. In addition, superposition of 2 microT noise MF could inhibit the EGF receptor clustering induced by GSM 1,800 MHz RF EMF.


CONCLUSIONS
EGF receptor clustering in CHL cells can be induced by GSM 1,800 MHz RF EMF at the lowest SAR of 0.5 W/kg and inhibited by noise MF. The modulation of wave may play an important role in the inducement of receptor clustering after RF exposure.
Xie
Liang
L
Bioelectromagnetics Lab, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310031, China.
jiang
Huai
H
Sun
Wen-jun
WJ
Fu
Yi-ti
YT
Lu
De-qiang
DQ
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000166:cytology; D011846:Radio Waves
D066246:ErbB Receptors