Effects of 900 MHz electromagnetic field on prenatal locomotor development in rats

Abstract

Introduction: the present study investigated the effects of 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) on locomotor system development in pregnant rats. Materials and methods: Following impregnation, the rats were divided into a study group (exposure to 900 MHz EMF) and control group (no exposure). A total of 28 rat pups were used in the study. on the 60th postnatal day, bone, nerve, and muscle tissues were evaluated by radiological, biochemical, and histological methods. Results: the study group showed significantly decreased femoral medullary canal diameter to cortical thickness ratio (15.3% in females, 8.5% in male pups, p<0.05), lower alkaline phosphatase levels (18.24% in females, p>0.05. 22.25% in male pups, p<0.05), and higher calcium (2.37% in females, 0.09% in male pups, p>0.05) and creatinine kinase levels (16.86% in females, 3.01% in male pups, p>0.05). Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity of sciatic nerve tissues and calcineurine staining of bone tissues indicated significantly higher anti-nNos and anti-calcineurin a antibody levels in the study group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Prenatal exposure of rat pups to 900 MHz EMF may negatively affect the development of sciatic nerves, muscles, and bones.