ID Number		113
Study Type		In Vitro
Model		900 MHz (GSM) exposure to planar phospholipid membranes (lipid bilayer +/- channels and ion carriers) and analysis of electrical properties
Details		Reproduction study of the FGF-project of Prof. Boheim and Prof. Hansen (Boheim et al, 2nd World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, Bologna, Italy, 1997, pg. 30) to investigate the influence of high frequency EMF on synthetic phospholipid membranes (lipid bilayers). Pure, solvent-containing lipid bilayers and lipid bilayers with channel forming peptides (ionophores) and ion carriers (alamethicin, gramicidin A or valinomycin), respectively, were exposed to 900 MHz RF (GSM). The amplitude of the ecxess-current, capacitance and conductance of bilayers were measured. Results of the formerly run project could be reproduced. The additional transient current (excess current) caused by pulsed RF field exposure could be induced on the membrane (in addition to a small experimental DC applied current, -110 mV up to + 140 mV). It was directly proportional to the transmitted power (0-7 W). The geometry of the test chamber had essential influence on the electrical field and on the amplitude of the excess current. The occurence of excess currents is theoretically explained by the rectifier effect. Elementary molecular mechanisms responsible for the effects on the bilayers are still unclear; a direct transfer of the results to biological membranes is not possible.
Findings		Not Applicable to Bioeffects
Status		Completed Without Publication
Principal Investigator		University of Bonn, FRG - meyer@pysio.uni-bonn.de
Funding Agency		FGF, Germany
Country		GERMANY
References
Comments		FGF database ID# F6, FGF contract# 5986.