The morphological and biochemical investigation of prenatal electromagnetic wave effects on urinary bladder in rats

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of

digital cellular system (DCS) 1800-MHz radiation of a common

digital mobile phone which has the highest specific absorption rate

value of 1.79 W/kg on the urinary bladders of male rats.

Materials and Methods: Rats exposed to electromagnetic

wave (EMW) emmited by mobile phones on stand-by (Stand-by

Fetal Group) or discontinious transmission mode (EMW Fetal

group), 2 hours per day, from embryonic day 14 until parturition

or until postnatal day 60 (Stand-by Fetal Group). The urinary

bladders of the animals in experimental groups were removed at

postnatal day 60 and prepared for light and electron microscopical

investigation. The barrier function of urothelium was evaluated

using zonula occludens 1 and E-cadherin immunohistochemistry

and ruthenium red staining for transmission electron microscopy.

Oxidative damage were evaluated by biochemical techniques.

Results: EMW wave group showed desquamation of urothelial

cells, increased number of mast cells, degeneration of tight junctions and

dilatation of intercellular space. Finally, increase in the malondialdehyde

and decrease in the glutathione levels were observed in all experimental

groups when compared to Those in the control group.

Conclusion: Exposure intensity and time length correlate with

adverse effects in developing period of the urinary bladder. These

changes may lead to urinary bladder inflammatory disorders.