Electric and magnetic fields do not modify the biochemical properties of FRTL-5 cells.

Background: Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) might be involved in human disease and numerous research and scientific reviews have been conducted to address this question. In particular thyroid structural and functional alterations caused by various forms of non-ionizing radiation have been described. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the possible effects of EMF on thyroid, in particular we analyzed the effects caused by a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) signal (900 MHz) on cultured thyroid cells (FRTL-5). Material and methods: The experimental setup was designed in order to expose samples to a radio frequency wave in well-controlled conditions. We used the FRTL-5 cell line, an epithelial monoclonal continuous cell line derived from Fisher rat thyroid tissue growing as monolayer, expressing the TSH receptor and the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). FRTL-5 were subsequently irradiate for 24, 48, and 96 h with EMF (800–900 MHz, power-frequency of mobile communication systems) and iodide uptake and cAMP production were measured. Results: The irradiation of cells with EMF at 900 Mhz for 24, 48, and 96 h did not influence the level of cAMP production and was not able to modify iodide accumulation in FRTL-5 cells with respect to basal conditions. Conclusions: In conclusion, EMF do not seem to be able to interfere with the biochemical properties of FRTL-5 cells in vitro.