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 electromagnetic 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 lower power density, it was observed that the rate of DNA synthesis decreased, and that the cells flattened and spread out in comparison to unexposed cultures. At 40 mW cm(-2) there were no effects seen on cell proliferation, but alteration in cell morphology included increased cell spreading and also the appearance of actin-containing blebs at localised sites on the membrane. It is hypothesised that 835 MHz radiation at low power density may be affecting a signal transduction pathway involved in cell proliferation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.