Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: In this study, the genotoxic effect of low frequency electromagnetic wave  that is similar to mobile phones in wavelength, as a main source of producing this waves, in combination with a known aneugen (vinblastine) was investigated on the cultured cells.
Material and Methods: L929 cells were exposed to two forms of continues and discontinues electromagnetic waves with wave length of 900MGh in absence and presence of 1.5 ng/ml of vinblastine for 2 h. Investigation of induced chromosomal abnormalities and cell viability in all treated groups were performed by micronucleus assay on binucleated cells and MTT assay, respectively.
Results: The frequency of micronuclei of cells in continuous and discontinuous electromagnetic fields was significantly higher in comparison with control and cells in turned off electromagnetic field, which represented higher chromosomal aberrations. Co-treatment of the cells with vinblastine did not increase this frequency. Analysis of toxicity showed no decrease in cell viability in all treated groups.
Conclusion: findings represented the ability of electromagnetic field, especially in form of discontinues, in inducing chromosomal abnormality. Also, co-treatment of cells with electromagnetic filed and vinblastine did not elevate the level of chromosome abnormality.