Upregulation of specific mRNA levels in rat brain after cell phone exposure

Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to regular cell phones for 6 h per day for 126 days (18 weeks). RT-PCR was used to investigate the changes in levels of mRNA synthesis of several injury-associated proteins. Calcium ATPase, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule, Neural Growth Factor, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor were evaluated. The results showed statistically significant mRNA up-regulation of these proteins in the brains of rats exposed to cell phone radiation. These results indicate that relative chronic exposure to cell phone microwave radiation may result in cumulative injuries that could eventually lead to clinically significant neurological damage.