Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression

Abstract

Non-thermal microwave/lower frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation. Calcium channel blockers block EMF effects and several types of additional evidence confirm this mechanism. Low intensity microwave EMFs have been proposed to produce neuropsychiatric effects, sometimes called microwave syndrome, and the focus of this review is whether these are indeed well documented and consistent with the known mechanism(s) of action of such EMFs. VGCCs occur in very high densities throughout the nervous system and have near universal roles in release of neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine hormones. Soviet and Western literature shows that much of the impact of non-thermal microwave exposures in experimental animals occurs in the brain and peripheral nervous system, such that nervous system histology and function show diverse and substantial changes. These may be generated through roles of VGCC activation, producing excessive neurotransmitter/neuroendocrine release as well as oxidative/nitrosative stress and other responses. Excessive VGCC activity has been shown from genetic polymorphism studies to have roles in producing neuropsychiatric changes in humans. Two U.S. government reports from the 1970s to 1980s provide evidence for many neuropsychiatric effects of non-thermal microwave EMFs, based on occupational exposure studies. 18 more recent epidemiological studies, provide substantial evidence that microwave EMFs from cell/mobile phone base stations, excessive cell/mobile phone usage and from wireless smart meters can each produce similar patterns of neuropsychiatric effects, with several of these studies showing clear dose-response relationships. Lesser evidence from 6 additional studies suggests that short wave, radio station, occupational and digital TV antenna exposures may produce similar neuropsychiatric effects. Among the more commonly reported changes are sleep disturbance/insomnia, headache, depression/depressive symptoms, fatigue/tiredness, dysesthesia, concentration/attention dysfunction, memory changes, dizziness, irritability, loss of appetite/body weight, restlessness/anxiety, nausea, skin burning/tingling/dermographism and EEG changes. In summary, then, the mechanism of action of microwave EMFs, the role of the VGCCs in the brain, the impact of non-thermal EMFs on the brain, extensive epidemiological studies performed over the past 50 years, and five criteria testing for causality, all collectively show that various non-thermal microwave EMF exposures produce diverse neuropsychiatric effects.

A Potential Role of Chronic Exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields in Triggering Persistent Pain Post Breast Cancer Surgery: A Review

“…It has been hypothesised that activation of GPCRs is affected by voltage and a charged agonist is a significant mechanism for activation of the voltage-dependent GPCR. [37] This voltage effect is in line with findings from several independent studies that EMF exposure induces an electrical potential gradient across the cells which in turn increases activates of the voltage-gated calcium ions. The existence of voltage gradients on the cell surface and how these gradients respond to EMF is of great importance to pain mechanism.…”

“…[34] Subsequent studies have confirmed that exposure to EMF can induce excessive activity in voltage-gated calcium channels in different cell types. [35][36][37][38] Panagopoulos et al have proposed that EMF exert oscillating forces on free ions in the extracellular fluid which then facilitates transmembrane movement of calcium ions. [37] These researchers postulated that external oscillating forces could produce a forced vibration on each free ion, and when the amplitude of the ions' force-vibration transcends some critical value, the oscillating ions can give a false signal to electrically sensitive gated calcium channels which interrupts the electrochemical balance of the cell membranes.…”

“…[35][36][37][38] Panagopoulos et al have proposed that EMF exert oscillating forces on free ions in the extracellular fluid which then facilitates transmembrane movement of calcium ions. [37] These researchers postulated that external oscillating forces could produce a forced vibration on each free ion, and when the amplitude of the ions' force-vibration transcends some critical value, the oscillating ions can give a false signal to electrically sensitive gated calcium channels which interrupts the electrochemical balance of the cell membranes. [37] In a relatively recent study, Pilla et al reported an increase in intracellular calcium occurs almost immediately after EMF exposure which produces a calcium/calmodulin-dependent increase in less than 5 seconds.…”

“…[37] These researchers postulated that external oscillating forces could produce a forced vibration on each free ion, and when the amplitude of the ions' force-vibration transcends some critical value, the oscillating ions can give a false signal to electrically sensitive gated calcium channels which interrupts the electrochemical balance of the cell membranes. [37] In a relatively recent study, Pilla et al reported an increase in intracellular calcium occurs almost immediately after EMF exposure which produces a calcium/calmodulin-dependent increase in less than 5 seconds. [38] The mobilisation of cellular calcium in response to external EMF signals or the interference of an EMF with calcium regulatory process is considered an essential target of EMF action and initiation of pain.…”

“…[43,44] EMF also affect pain by modulating G-Protein Coupling Receptors (GPCR). [37] These transmembrane domain receptors are activated extracellularly and transmit signals to intracellular targets. GPCR is critical to the migration of phagocytes and their accumulation at sites of inflammation, where not only can exacerbate inflammation but also can contribute to its resolution.…”