Cell Journal (Jan 2009)
Reduction of F1 Neuronal Excitability by Exposure to 217 Hz Magnetic Fields from GSM 900 Mobile Phone
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 217 Hz magnetic field ofmobile phone GSM 900 exposure on the bioelectric activity of F1 neuronal cells of the landsnail.Materials and Methods: According to the magnetic field measurement of the mobile phone,a range of flux intensities of magnetic fields (0.46 - 229 μT) at a frequency of 217 Hz wasproduced by magnetic field coils. The bioelectrical activity of F1 nerve cells at different timeintervals was recorded, using intracellular recording under current clamp conditions in control,sham and field exposed groups.Results: Magnetic field exposure decreased the amplitude of action potential and the firingfrequency of F1 nerve cells. Furthermore, it resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase inthe amplitude of after hyperpolarization (AHP) and duration of action potential. Change inthe cell’s electrophysiological parameters was associated with a decrease in neuronal excitability.Magnetic field exposure affected also the resting membrane potential of F1 cells in abimodal fashion, including depolarization and hyperpolarization. Considering the exposurecondition, most of the alterations in the electrical activity of F1 nerve cells induced by magneticfields exposure were reversible.Conclusion: These findings suggest that 217 Hz magnetic fields of mobile phones with differentintensities affect the spontaneous bioelectrical activity of F1 nerve cells and exert inhibitoryeffects on neuronal excitability. There is evidence for the existence of an amplitudewindow and these electrophysiological alterations occur within this amplitude window. Thereversibility of the magnetic field- induced most electrophysiological alterations in the neuronalbehavior under our experimental conditions was observed.
