The effect of 6GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on rat pain perception

ABSTRACT

This paper presents data on pain perception in rats exposed to 6 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). Rats were divided into two groups: control (n = 10, 4 replicates per test) and RF-EMR exposed group (n = 10, 4 replicates per test). Nociceptive responses of the groups were measured using rodent analgesiometry. Rats were divided into control and RF-EMR exposed groups. Nociceptive responses were measured using rodent analgesiometry. RF-EMR exposed rats had a 15% delay in responding to hot plate thermal stimulation compared to unexposed rats. The delay in responding to radiant heat thermal stimulation was 21%. We determined that RF-EMR promoted the occurrence of pressure pain as statistical significance by + 42% (p < 0.001). We observed that RF-EMR exposure increased nociceptive pain by + 35% by promoting cold plate stimulation (p < 0.05). RF-EMR exposure did not affect thermal preference as statistical significance but did support the formation of pressure pain perception.

Plain Language Summary

In this study, we present data on pain perception in rats exposed to 6GHz RF-EMR. RF-EMR exposed rats showed delayed responses to hot plate and radiant heat thermal stimulation. RF-EMR increased pressure and nociceptive pain as statistically significance. In particular, the effects of RF-EMR should be considered when assessing hyperalgesic and hypoalgesic symptoms in the clinic. The results of this study indicate the need to take precautions against the possible negative effects of RF-EMR on human health with the rise of 5G technology.

KEYWORDS:

• 6GHz RF radiation
• pain perception
• thermal preference
• pressure pain threshold
• rats

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Abbreviations

RF-EMR	=	Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation
EMFs	=	Electric and Magnetic Fields
EMR	=	Electromagnetic Radiation
GSM	=	Global System for Mobile communication
SAR	=	Specific Absorption Rate
HP	=	Hot-Plate test
TF	=	Tail-flick test
CP	=	Cold Plate test
RS	=	Randall-Selitto test
GABA	=	Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
TRPV1	=	Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1
TRPA1	=	Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1
NMDA	=	N-methyl-D-aspartate

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Department of Çukurova University Scientific Research Projects [BAP: TDK-2021-13488].