EMF-Portal | Effects of low level electromagnetic field exposure at 2.45 GHz on rat cornea

Effects of low level electromagnetic field exposure at 2.45 GHz on rat cornea med./bio.

By: Akar A, Karayigit MO, Bolat D, Gultiken ME, Yarim M, Castellani G

Published in: Int J Radiat Biol 2013; 89 (4): 243-249

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Aim of study (acc. to author)

Background/further details

Rats were divided into 2 groups (n=11 each): an exposure group and a control group.

Endpoint

morphol./histopathol. changes: thickness of the cornea and the anterior epithelium of the cornea

Exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day on 21 days	SAR: 0.25 W/kg electric field strength: 11.96 V/m average over time (± 0.89 V/m)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	2.45 GHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 2 h/day on 21 days

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Repetition frequency	217 Hz

Exposure setup

Exposure source	monopole
Distance between exposed object and exposure source	6 cm
Chamber	plexiglass pie cage restrainer with 2 cm air holes on the top
Setup	rats kept in the restrainer with the 15 cm high antenna placed centrally

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
SAR	0.25 W/kg	-	calculated	whole body	-
electric field strength	11.96 V/m	average over time	measured and calculated	-	± 0.89 V/m

Additional parameter details

no background electric fields were detected in the experimental setting

Reference articles

Avci B et al. (2012): Oxidative stress induced by 1.8 GHz radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and effects of garlic extract in rats
Esmekaya MA et al. (2010): Pulse modulated 900 MHz radiation induces hypothyroidism and apoptosis in thyroid cells: A light, electron microscopy and immunohistochemical study
Dasdag S et al. (2008): Mobile phone exposure does not induce apoptosis on spermatogenesis in rats
Ferreira AR et al. (2006): Oxidative stress effects on the central nervous system of rats after acute exposure to ultra high frequency electromagnetic fields

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:

tissue slices
eye

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the microscopical measurement, the anterior epithelium of the cornea of exposed animals was significantly thicker compared to the control group, whereas the cornea itself did not show significant differences in thickness. The stereological investigation did not show any significant differences.
The authors conclude that exposure of rats to a 2.45 GHz electromagnetic field could cause alterations in the cornea.

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

Lu ST et al. (2010): Absence of corneal endothelium injury in non-human primates treated with and without ophthalmologic drugs and exposed to 2.8 GHz pulsed microwaves

Balci M et al. (2007): Effects of mobile phones on oxidant/antioxidant balance in cornea and lens of rats

Kojima M et al. (2004): Influence of anesthesia on ocular effects and temperature in rabbit eyes exposed to microwaves

Saito K et al. (1998): Reversible irritative effect of acute 2.45GHz microwave exposure on rabbit eyes--a preliminary evaluation

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Kues HA et al. (1985): Effects of 2.45-GHz microwaves on primate corneal endothelium

Williams RJ et al. (1974): Examination of the cornea following exposure to microwave radiation