Influence of in utero exposure to WiFi electromagnetic fields on the CNS of rats
Résumé
INTRODUCTION : There is worldwide concern about the sensitivity of children to environmental agents (heavy metals, chemicals, ionizing radiation, EMF, etc.). In the case of radiofrequency (RF) fields, the current generation of children is the first to be exposed during its lifetime to RF fields emitted by mobile phones and other wireless communication devices. Our study aimed at investigating for the first time the effects of in utero WiFi exposure on the CNS of young rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The exposure system was a reverberation chamber which allowed a whole-body exposure of free moving rats to WiFi-like signal [1]. Three specific absorption rate (SAR) levels were tested on the dams: 0.08, 0.4, and 4 W/kg. Sham-exposed and cage-control animals were included in the protocol. The experiments were performed on Wistar rats, purchased at day 3 post coitum. Exposure duration was 2 hours per day for 21 days excluding weekends. After delivery, newborn rats were left to growth up until 5 weeks of age. Rats were killed in accordance with French animal welfare guidelines and their brains coded before analysis. Ten-μm slices brain cryosections were prepared. Apoptosis using the Neurotacs kit Hsp70 and Hsp25, GFAP, and 3-nitrotyrosine levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Positive control experiments were performed to test these different parameters. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS : Results on apoptosis were not significantly different among the various exposure conditions. Measurements and analysis of the Hsp70, Hsp25, GFAP, and 3-nitrotyrosine markers are in progress. CONCLUSIONS : Complete results will be presented at the meeting.