GSM modulated radiofrequency radiation does not affect 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion of rats

In this study, the effect of exposure to 900 and 1800 MHz GSM-like radiofrequency radiation upon the urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6SM) excretion of adult male Wistar rats was studied. Seventy-two rats were used in six independent experiments, three of which were done with 900 MHz and the other three with 1800 MHz. The exposures were performed in a gigahertz transverse electromagnetic mode (GTEM) cell. The power densities of radiation were 100 and 20 muW/cm(2) at 900 and 1800 MHz frequency, respectively. The carrier frequency was modulated with 218 Hz, as in the GSM signal. The animals were exposed for 2 h between 8:00 AM and noon daily during the 14 day exposure period. The urine of rats was collected from 12:00 AM to 8:00 AM, collecting from exposed and control animal groups on alternate days. The urinary 6SM concentration was measured by I-125 radioimmunoassay and was referred to creatinine. The combined results of three experiments done with the same frequency were statistically analyzed. Statistically significant changes in the 6SM excretion of exposed rats (n = 18) compared to control group (n = 18) were not found either at 900 or 1800 MHz. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.