Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-3 | Issue-11 | 620-628
Original Research Article
Effect of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on the Spinal Cord of Albino Rats: A Neurohistological Study
Faisal Taufiq, Eajaz Ahmed Shariff, Aqeel Ahmad
Published : Nov. 30, 2018
Abstract
Mobile phone usage has become an essential component of daily life. Several studies have raised concerns about the possible deleterious effects on the nervous system due to exposure of electromagnetic radiations. We aimed to study the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on the spinal cord of albino rats. In the present study twenty-four adult albino rats of either sex weighing 180-200 grams each were divided into four groups: 1 control and 3 experimental and were exposed to RF-EMR via complete missed calls of 45 seconds duration each. Both the experimental and control groups were then sacrificed and spinal cord was isolated for tissue processing. The processed tissue was then stained (hematoxylin and eosin) and observed under light microscope. Light microscopy of the spinal cord showed the cellular size of the neuronal cells was reduced in dorsal and ventral horn interneurons, their nucleus was heterochromatic. Neurons were irregular, loosely arranged, darkly stained and decreased in size. Ventral horn cells of the spinal cord showed absent cytoplasm, heterochromatic nucleus with invisible nucleoli. Dose dependency with more radiation exhibit more changes in comparison to less exposed rats. From our findings, it is suggestive to protect the population living around base stations and users of mobile handsets. For this the government and regulatory bodies adopt safety standards which minimizes the hazardous effects of mobile radiation