Effect of high-frequency electromagnetic fields on trophoblastic connexins

Reprod Toxicol. 2009 Jul;28(1):59-65. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.03.010. Epub 2009 Apr 5.

Abstract

Connexins (Cx) are membrane proteins able to influence trophoblast functions. Here we investigated the effect of high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF) on Cx expression and localization in extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo. We also analysed cell ultrastructural changes induced by HF-EMF exposure. Samples were exposed to pulse-modulated 1817 MHz sinusoidal waves (GSM-217 Hz; 1h: SAR of 2 W/kg). Cx mRNA expression was assessed through semi-quantitative RT-PCR, protein expression by Western blotting, protein localization by indirect immunofluorescence, cell ultrastructure using electron microscopy. HF-EMF exposure significantly and selectively increased Cx40 and Cx43, without altering protein expression. Nevertheless, Cx40 and Cx43 lost their punctuate fluorescence within the cell membrane, becoming diffuse after HF-EMF exposure. Electron microscopy evidenced a sharp decrease in intercellular gap junction-like structures. This study is the first to indicate that exposure of extravillous trophoblast to GSM-217 Hz signals can modify Cx gene expression, Cx protein localization and cellular ultrastructure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / radiation effects
  • Connexin 43 / metabolism
  • Connexins / genetics
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism
  • Gap Junctions / radiation effects*
  • Gap Junctions / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Trophoblasts / metabolism
  • Trophoblasts / radiation effects*
  • Trophoblasts / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Connexin 43
  • Connexins
  • GJA1 protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Cyclic AMP