Expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos, in mouse brain after acute global system for mobile communication microwave exposure

Abstract

<h4>Aims</h4>To study the effect of acute exposure to global system for mobile communication radiofrequency fields on immediate early gene, c-fos, expression in the brain.<h4>Methods</h4>Using a purpose-designed exposure system at 900 MHz, mice were given a single, far-field, whole body exposure for 60 minutes at a specific absorption rate of 4 W/kg. Control mice were sham-exposed or freely mobile in a cage without further restraint. c-fos protein expression was detected immunohistochemically in perfusion-fixed brains.<h4>Results</h4>Activation of c-fos in exposed and sham-exposed brains was comparable, but was greatly increased compared with freely moving controls.<h4>Conclusion</h4>These results suggest that the majority of the acute genomic response detected by c-fos expression was due to immobilisation rather than irradiation.