Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This study examines the potential risks posed by electromagnetic waves (EMWs) emitted from mobile phones on the development of rat brains, using morphological and biochemical assessments.

Materials and Methods

• EMW exposure duration: Two hours/day until birth in different experimental groups.
• Control group: No exposure to mobile phone EMWs.
• Measurement taken: Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH); western blot analysis for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); and histological examinations.

Findings

• Marked increase in neuronal damage and GFAP content in rats exposed to MP EMWs compared to controls.
• Significant decrease in the number of myelinated axons in EMW exposed groups.
• Differential effects observed based on the mode of phone operation (stand-by vs. talk mode).

Conclusion

Exposure to 1800 MHz EMWs at a SAR of 1.79 W/kg during prenatal and early postnatal life poses risks such as trigeminal nerve damage and neuronal degeneration driven by oxidative stress.