Efeito da exposição materna a radiação eletromagnética emitida por aparelho de telefonia móvel sobre o desenvolvimento embrionário, neonatal e o sistema endócrino de ratos Wistar (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769)

Abstract

The use of mobile phones raises concerns about the possible implications for human health. Since the introduction of this technology the use of mobile phones has increased tremendously and we are increasingly exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Because of the susceptibility of the embryo, neonates and children at any embryotoxic effect caused by electromagnetic fields, the World Health Organization has recommended to give high priority to experimental investigations of radiation effects on pregnant women and children. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of electromagnetic waves radiated by cell phones on the embryonic and neonatal development, and its possible programmer effect in exposed Wistar rat’s offspring. For that, pregnant rats were exposed to radio frequency emitted by mobile phones (1.8 GHz) for different gestational periods. The possible maternal toxicology, reproductive parameters, biochemical markers of maternal toxicity and hydrogen peroxide in addition to the concentration of sex hormones (progesterone and 17 β-estradiol) and ovarian histology, were analyzed. The evaluattion of the offspring was conducted monitoring neonatal physical and reflexological development. Reaching adulthood, the rats were subjected to behavioral testing and evaluation of total content and adrenal catecholamine secretion, corticosterone and serum glucose. It was also evaluated the reproductive capacity of offspring (male and female) at 90 days of age. The radiation emitted by cell phones was able to increase the serum concentration of 17 β-estradiol and hydrogen peroxide in pregnant rats with 15 days of gestation also leading to changes in the diameter of ovarian follicles, but not interfering with reproductive parameters analyzed. A possible liver toxicity was observed during the period of fetogenesis. And when the exposure was taken throughout pregnancy it was observed that the radiation causes changes in gestational length. In the adult offspring (males) results show an increase in total content of catecholamine associated with by a glucose decrease in exposed group, but no change in the behavioral tests. No reproductive changes in males exposed to radiation during embryonic life were observed. In females exposed to radiation during intrauterine life changes were observed in serum concentration of 17 β-estradiol, but without compromising its reproductive functions. Given the results of this study, we speculate that the radiation emitted by mobile phones has effect on the reproductive processes as well as a programmer effect of offspring.