Immunohistochemical localization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the superior olivary complex of mice after radiofrequency exposure

摘要

Raising health concerns about the biological effects from radiofrequency exposure, even with conflicting results, has prompted calls for formulation of a guideline of the biological safety level. Given the close proximity between a mobile phone and the ear, it has been suggested that the central auditory system may be detrimentally influenced by radiofrequency exposure. In the auditory system, neurotrophins are important in the regulation of neuron survival, especially mammalian cochlear neurons. Neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) present in the auditory system are responsible for the maintenance of auditory neurons. BDNF and GDNF may protect against acoustic trauma and prevent from hearing defect. The present study applied radiofrequency at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.6. W/kg (E1.6) or 0. W/kg group to determine the distribution of BDNF and GDNF in the nuclei of superior olivary complex (SOC). In the E1.6 group, significant decrements of BDNF immunoreactivity (IR) were noted in the lateral superior olive, medial superior olive, superior paraolivary nucleus and medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. GDNF IR was also significantly decreased (p<. 0.001) in all SOC nuclei of the E1.6 group. The decrease in the IR of these neurotrophic factors in the SOC of the E1.6 group suggests a detrimental effect of RF exposure in the auditory nuclei.