Abstract

Overview

This study explores the effects of fetal exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the neurocognitive development of rats, focusing on the neuronal and astroglial cells within the hippocampus.

Methodology

Pregnant rats were divided into groups and exposed to a 900-MHz EMF for 2 hours daily during early, middle, and late gestational stages. Following birth, the offspring were monitored through 28 postnatal days before evaluation.

Findings

• Region-specific neuronal and astroglial cell death in the rat hippocampus was induced by EMF exposure, especially during critical periods of pregnancy.
• No notable morphological changes in neurons were observed when exposure occurred early in pregnancy (GD 1-7).
• Significant immune reactivity of PARP-1 and Caspase-3 was observed in the hippocampus from exposure during GD 15-21, a crucial period for hippocampal neurogenesis.
• This late exposure led to marked activation of PARP-1 and Caspase-3, culminating in neuronal cell death.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that EMF exposure at critical gestational stages can significantly influence neuronal development and viability via the activation of PARP-1 and Caspase-3 pathways, implicating potential risks to fetal neurodevelopment through environmental factors.