Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field (1.8/0.9 GHz) on spleen in rats

Introduction: To evaluate the possible effect of whole-body 900- and 1800-MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on the rat spleen. Methods: A total of 14 Sprague–Dawley rats were studied. Pregnant rats were divided into three equal groups: control group, 900-MHz EMF-exposed group, and 1800-MHz EMF-exposed group. Sections obtained from paraffin blocks were stained for hematoxylin–eosin. Lipid peroxidation in the spleen tissue was evaluated by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Light microscopic evaluation of the spleen revealed myeloid series cells, erythrocytes and megakaryocytes in all groups. Results: In the red pulp, dilated sinusoids in both 900 and 1800 prenatal 24-hour groups, being more severe in the 1800 prenatal 24-hour group were observed. Fused white pulps were clearly observed in 900 group, and variable size of irregular white pulps with destruction were increased in 1800 group. Biochemical evaluation showed that spleen tissue MDA levels were higher and GSH levels were lower in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz groups than in the control group (p < 0.05 for both). Conclusion: Based on the histological and biochemical results of the present study, we concluded that EMF applied during the prenatal period resulted in pathological changes in the splenic tissue of rat pups. We revealed that exposure to EMF during the prenatal period caused oxidative stress by increasing lipid oxidation and altering antioxidant defense systems. We also demonstrated that these effects become more evident as the level of EMF increases from 900 MHz to 1800-MHz.