Protective effect of melatonin on the rat lung following exposure to 900-MHz electromagnetic field: a stereological and histopathological study

Abstract

Long-term use of cell phone emitting electromagnetic field (EMF) has increased concerns regarding histopathological change in vital organs. Our present study was aimed to investigate the effect of 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF on the rat lungs, as well as the possible efficacy of melatonin (MEL) on lung tissues. Fifteen female Wistar albino rats were randomly selected and assigned into five groups as follow: control (CONT), SHAM, EMF, melatonin (MEL) and EMF+MEL group. Subsequently, female rats were then mated, and pregnant rats underwent the experimental application for 21 days. After parturition, 6 pups (2 pups from each mother) were randomly chosen and maintained for 4 weeks. At the end of the 4th week, the lung tissues of all groups were used for the stereological analysis and histopathological examination. We found that the mean volumes of the alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels were significantly lower in the EMF group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the EMF+MEL group, the mean volumes of the alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels were significantly increased compared to the EMF group. Our histopathological results showed marked change in the lung tissues. We speculated that exposure to EMF caused the damage to the rat lung tissues, and that MEL administration alleviated 900 MHz EMF-induced complications. © 2021 Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi. All rights reserved.