The effect of 900-megahertz electromagnetic field exposure in the first and middle adolescent period on the spleen in male rats: A biochemical and histopathological study

Abstract

Aim: Adolescents are at risk due to the intensive use of mobile phones. The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of 900-Megahertz electromagnetic field on spleen in late adolescent period, exposed during periods of early and mid-adolescence. Material and Methods: In this study, 24 Sprague Dawley 21-day-old male rats were divided into control (n=8), sham (n=8) and electromagnetic field groups (n=8). Control group rats were not subjected to any application. Electromagnetic field group rats were taken into the electromagnetic field cage and were exposed to 900-Megahertz electromagnetic field (1 hour per day for 25 days). Sham group rats were taken into the electromagnetic field cages but were not exposed to electromagnetic field. At the end of the treatment, all animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation method and the spleens were removed. After histological procedures, tissue sections were taken and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff. Histopathological evaluation was performed on the spleen tissues. Oxidative stress parameters including lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase levels were investigated via biochemical analysis. Results: Histopathological evaluation revealed megakaryocyte cells, enlarged white pulps and dilated sinusoids in spleen tissues of adolescent rats in electromagnetic field group. According to biochemical analysis results, it was determined that glutathione and lipid peroxidation values were increased, but superoxide dismutase and catalase values were decreased. Conclusion: It can be said that the 900-Megahertz electromagnetic field applied in adolescent period caused morphological changes on spleen tissue and caused oxidative stress in male rats.