Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Melatonin modulates 900 Mhz microwave-induced lipid peroxidation changes in rat brain med./bio.

Published in: Toxicol Ind Health 2006; 22 (5): 211-216

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To determine the effects of microwaves on the brain lipid peroxidation system (in hippocampus and cortex), and the possible protective effects of melatonin on brain degeneration induced by microwaves.

Background/further details

Male rats were divided into three groups: 1) sham-exposed control group (n = 8); 2) 900 MHz microwave exposed group (n = 8), and 3) 900 MHz microwave exposed + melatonin group (100 µg/kg before daily exposure) (n = 10).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 2 weeks
  • power: 2 W peak value
  • power density: 1.04 mW/cm² unspecified
  • SAR: 0.016 W/kg average over mass (whole body)
  • SAR: 4 W/kg maximum (in the head)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure, 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 2 weeks
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber A special exposure device with five antennas for insulated exposure was used.
Setup Rats were restrained in ventilated plastic tube cages (12 cm long, 5.5 cm in diameter) with their heads positioned in close contact above the dipole antenna.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info Sham and RF only exposed rats were injected s.c. with an equal volume of isotonic saline solution instead of MEL.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2 W peak value - - -
power density 1.04 mW/cm² unspecified measured - -
SAR 0.016 W/kg average over mass measured whole body -
SAR 4 W/kg maximum measured - in the head

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The levels of lipid peroxidation in the cortex and hippocampus increased in the exposed group compared with the control group, although the levels in the hippocampus were decreased by "microwave+melatonin" administration. The cortex lipid peroxidation levels were unaffected by melatonin treatment.
The authors conclude that melatonin may prevent microwave-induced oxidative changes in the hippocampus by strengthening the antioxidant defense.

Study character:

Study funded by

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