Effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) on cerebral cortex of albino rats-a light and electron microscopic study

Abstract

Background: Since the introduction of mobile phones in the late eighties, many studies have raised concerns about the possible adverse effects on health, as a result of the exposure to RF and microwave electromagnetic fields as RF-EMR can penetrate deep into organic tissues and get absorbed producing many biological effects in human body. Brain is involved in very important functions and RF-EMR might have damaging effects on its different parts. The present study was undertaken with an aim to study effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) emitted by mobile phones on cerebrum in albino rats under light and electron microscopy and to evaluate such changes after exposure to graded dose of RF-EMR

Material and methods: The present study was carried out on twenty four adult albino rats of either sex weighing 180-200 grams each. The animals were divided into four groups: 1 control and 3 experimental and were exposed to RF-EMR via complete missed calls of 45 seconds duration each. Both the experimental and control groups were then sacrificed and cerebral cortex was isolated for tissue processing. The processed tissues were then studied under light microscope (Hematoxylin & Eosin Staining) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).    

Results: Light microscopic findings of the present study showed that cellular size of neuronal cells in pyramidal layer of cerebral cortex, neurons of hippocampus and some granular layers in cerebral cortex of RF-EMR exposed rats decreased in compare to control groups. Individual cells could be seen with condensed cytoplasm and nucleus. Electron microscopic findings revealed individual shrunken cells with condensed cytoplasm and nucleus.

Conclusion: From the findings of the present study it appears pertinent that in order to protect the population living around base stations and users of mobile handsets, governments and regulatory bodies adopt safety standards, which translate to limits on exposure levels below a certain value and efforts are underway to harmonize the different standards in existence.