ELECTROMAGNETIC-RADIATION AT 835 MHZ CHANGES THE MORPHOLOGY AND INHIBITS PROLIFERATION OF A HUMAN ASTROCYTOMA CELL-LINE

A human astrocytoma cell line, U-87 MG, was exposed to 835 MHz electro magnetic radiation for 20 min, 3 times per day for 7 days, at a power density of either 40 +/- 15 mW cm(-2) or 8.1 +/- 3 mW cm(-2). At the l ower power density, it was observed that the rate of DNA synthesis dec reased, and that the cells flattened and spread out in comparison to u nexposed cultures. At 40 mW cm(-2) there were no effects seen on cell proliferation, but alteration in cell morphology included increased ce ll spreading and also the appearance of actin-containing blebs at loca lised sites on the membrane. It is hypothesised that 835 MHz radiation at low power density may be affecting a signal transduction pathway i nvolved in cell proliferation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.