Effect of 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation on the Inner Ear: A Histopathological Study on 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation and Cochlea

Authors: Tahir E, Akar Karadayi A, Gülşen Gürgen S, Korunur Engiz B, Turgut A

Year: 2024 Jan

Category: Otolaryngology, Histopathology

Journal: J Int Adv Otol

DOI: 10.5152/iao.2024.231142

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10895889/

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the potential low dose-dependent adverse effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposure—typical for Wi-Fi frequencies—on the cochlea, focusing on both pregnant female rats and their male newborns.

Methods

  • Twelve pregnant female rats and their male newborns were exposed to Wi-Fi frequencies at varying electric field strengths: 0.6, 1.9, 5, 10, and 15 V/m during the entire gestation period and the first 45 days after birth, except for a control group.
  • Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing was performed before exposure and at sacrification to assess potential hearing impairment.
  • After removal, cochleae underwent histopathological examination using immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, caspase-9, and TUNEL (a marker of apoptosis).
  • Statistical analysis involved Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon tests, and multivariate analysis of variance.

Findings

  • Post-exposure ABR thresholds increased significantly for exposures of 5 V/m and higher, indicating impaired hearing function.
  • Significant increases in the number of apoptotic cells were noted at 10 V/m and 15 V/m exposures (F(5,15)=23.203, P=.001; Pillai's trace=1.912, η²=0.637).
  • As the electric field magnitude increased, there was a corresponding increase in all histopathological markers of apoptosis.
  • Caspase-9 staining showed the most significant changes (η² c9=0.996), followed by caspase-3 (η² c3=0.991) and TUNEL staining (η² t=0.801).
  • Cell densities stained for apoptotic markers increased proportionally with electric field strength and power values.

Conclusion

  • Apoptotic activity and immune response in the cochlea depend directly on both electric field strength and power exposure values.
  • Importantly, even at low exposures typical of Wi-Fi, electromagnetic fields at 2.45 GHz cause damage to the inner ear and induce apoptosis in cochlear cells.
  • These results further reinforce the established connection between electromagnetic field exposure and biological risks, especially concerning inner ear health.
microwave radiation wifi cochlea apoptosis inner ear rat model electromagnetic fields
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