Possible combined effects of 900 MHZ continuous-wave electromagnetic fields and gentamicin on the auditory system of rats.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the cochlear functionality of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to electromagnetic fields at 900 MHz and to gentamicin by distortion product otoacoustic emissions, which are a well-known indicator of the status of the cochlea's outer hair cells. A population of 32 rats was divided into four groups: group 1 was treated with daily intramuscular injections of 150 mg/kg body weight gentamicin for 15 days; group 2 was treated with daily intramuscular injections of 150 mg/kg body weight gentamicin for 15 days and exposed to electromagnetic fields; group 3 was exposed to electromagnetic fields; group 4 was sham-exposed. Rats were exposed 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks at a local SAR of 4 W/kg in the ear (continuous wave at 900 MHz). Distortion product otoacoustic emissions tests were carried out before, during and after the combined exposure. The analysis of the data showed no subchronic exposure to electromagnetic fields on the inner auditory system of rats in either normal ears or ears exposed to a well-recognized pathological agent.
Parazzini
Marta
M
Institute of Biomedical Engineering ISIB, Italian National Research Council, 20133, Milan, Italy. marta.parazzini@polimi.it
Galloni
Paolo
P
Piscitelli
Marta
M
Pinto
Rosanna
R
Lovisolo
Giorgio A
GA
Tognola
Gabriella
G
Ravazzani
Paolo
P
Marino
Carmela
C
D000818:Animals; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006309:Hearing / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D005839:Gentamicins