Changes in gap junctional intercellular communication in rabbits lens epithelial cells induced by low power density microwave radiation.

Chinese medical journal · 2002 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 3831

Study snapshot

PublicationChinese medical journal · 2002

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the changes in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by low power density microwave radiation in rabbits lens epithelial cells (LECs) and its mechanisms. METHODS: Rabbits' eyes were exposed to 5 mW/cm(2) and 10 mW/cm(2) power densities of microwave radiation for 3 hours. The fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching (FRAP) method was used to determine the GJIC. The localization and function of connexin 43 in LECs was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy. RESULTS: The GJIC of rabbits LECs was inhibited by microwave radiation especially in the 10 mW/cm(2) irradiated samples. A decrease in connexin 43-positive staining was seen in 5 mW/cm(2) x 3 h treated LECs. Intracellular space accumulation and cytoplasmic internalization were clearly demonstrated in 10 mW/cm(2) group. CONCLUSIONS: Low power densities microwave radiation (5 mW/cm(2) and 10 mW/cm(2)) induces damage to connexin 43 and inhibits the GJIC of rabbits LECs. These changes result in an osmotic imbalance within the lens and induce early cataract. 5 mW/cm(2) or 10 mW/cm(2) microwave radiation is cataractogenic.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal

Effect directionharm

PopulationRabbits (lens epithelial cells/eyes exposed)

Sample sizeNot supplied

Exposuremicrowave · 3 hours

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Rabbit eyes exposed to microwave radiation at 5 mW/cm^2 or 10 mW/cm^2 for 3 hours showed inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication in lens epithelial cells, with stronger inhibition at 10 mW/cm^2. Connexin 43-positive staining decreased at 5 mW/cm^2, and intracellular space accumulation with cytoplasmic internalization was reported at 10 mW/cm^2. The authors conclude these changes could lead to osmotic imbalance and early cataract and describe the exposures as cataractogenic.

Outcomes measured

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in lens epithelial cells (FRAP)
Connexin 43 localization/staining (confocal microscopy)
Lens osmotic imbalance/early cataract (inferred by authors as outcome)

Limitations

Microwave frequency not reported
Sample size not reported
Outcome of cataract appears to be a conclusion/inference; direct cataract incidence/assessment methods are not described in the abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "microwave",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "3 hours"
  },
  "population": "Rabbits (lens epithelial cells/eyes exposed)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in lens epithelial cells (FRAP)",
    "Connexin 43 localization/staining (confocal microscopy)",
    "Lens osmotic imbalance/early cataract (inferred by authors as outcome)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Rabbit eyes exposed to microwave radiation at 5 mW/cm^2 or 10 mW/cm^2 for 3 hours showed inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication in lens epithelial cells, with stronger inhibition at 10 mW/cm^2. Connexin 43-positive staining decreased at 5 mW/cm^2, and intracellular space accumulation with cytoplasmic internalization was reported at 10 mW/cm^2. The authors conclude these changes could lead to osmotic imbalance and early cataract and describe the exposures as cataractogenic.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Microwave frequency not reported",
    "Sample size not reported",
    "Outcome of cataract appears to be a conclusion/inference; direct cataract incidence/assessment methods are not described in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "microwave radiation",
    "low power density",
    "rabbit",
    "lens epithelial cells",
    "gap junctional intercellular communication",
    "GJIC",
    "connexin 43",
    "cataract"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: 12622942

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