Cell phone radiation changes corticotrophin hormone levels & histology of brain and adrenal glands in male rats

Abstract

Cell phone radiation changes corticotrophin hormone levels & histology of brain and adrenal glands in male rats Shahabi S, Hassanzadeh Taji I, Hoseinnezhaddarzi M, Mousavi F, Shirchi S, Nazari A, Zarei H, Pourabdolhossein F. Exposure to cell phone radiofrequency changes corticotrophin hormone levels and histology of the brain and adrenal glands in male Wistar rat. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018 Dec;21(12):1269-1274. doi: 10.22038/ijbms.2018.29567.7133. Abstract Objectives: Nowadays, the electromagnetic field-emitting devices are used routinely in our lives. Controversial reports exist concerning the effects of mobile radiofrequency (RF) on different parts of the body, especially stress hormones. The main goal of the present work was to study the long-term effects of mobile RF900 MHz exposure with special focus on the adrenal gland pathophysiology and function. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to mobile RF 6 hr daily for 4-8 weeks. Intact and switched-off exposed animals were considered as controls. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were measured by the ELISA method. At the end of the experiment, a histological study was done on adrenal gland and brain tissues by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The thickness of the fasciculate layer of the adrenal gland, and its cell count and perimeter were measured using the Fiji software. Results: Enhanced plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were found after prolonged exposure to mobile RF. The fasciculata layer of adrenal cortex eventually thickened following mobile RF radiation. While the number of cells in zona fasciculata remained constant, the cell size and perimeter increased during RF exposure. Finally, we found that vacuolization in brain tissue and the number and size of vacuoles considerably increased during two months of RF exposure. Conclusion: Cell phone RF exposure induced significant hormonal and structural changes in adrenal gland and brain tissues. Therefore, the public should be aware and limit their exposure as much as possible. Open access paper: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

After prolonged 900 MHz mobile RF exposure, plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were increased. The adrenal cortex zona fasciculata layer thickened, with increased cell size/perimeter but no change in cell number. Brain tissue showed increased vacuolization, including increased number and size of vacuoles after two months of exposure.

Outcomes measured

• Plasma ACTH levels
• Plasma cortisol levels
• Adrenal gland histology (zona fasciculata thickness, cell count, cell size/perimeter)
• Brain tissue histology (vacuolization; number and size of vacuoles)

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata
• Specific exposure metrics beyond frequency and schedule (e.g., SAR, power density, distance) not reported in provided abstract/metadata
• Details of randomization/blinding not reported in provided abstract/metadata

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": 900,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "6 hr daily for 4-8 weeks"
    },
    "population": "Adult male Wistar rats",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Plasma ACTH levels",
        "Plasma cortisol levels",
        "Adrenal gland histology (zona fasciculata thickness, cell count, cell size/perimeter)",
        "Brain tissue histology (vacuolization; number and size of vacuoles)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "After prolonged 900 MHz mobile RF exposure, plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were increased. The adrenal cortex zona fasciculata layer thickened, with increased cell size/perimeter but no change in cell number. Brain tissue showed increased vacuolization, including increased number and size of vacuoles after two months of exposure.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
        "Specific exposure metrics beyond frequency and schedule (e.g., SAR, power density, distance) not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
        "Details of randomization/blinding not reported in provided abstract/metadata"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency",
        "cell phone",
        "900 MHz",
        "ACTH",
        "cortisol",
        "adrenal gland",
        "brain histology",
        "Wistar rat",
        "vacuolization",
        "ELISA"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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