Effects of non-ionizing radiation on the thyroid gland in rats.

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation on rat thyroid function and histopathology. Forty female and thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-220 g, 2 months old) were exposed to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi, mobile jammer radiation, or a sham condition. In Group A, male rats were exposed to Wi-Fi or mobile jammers for 2 h daily for two weeks. The devices were located within a one-meter radius of the animal cage, either on or off. In the Sham group, the experimental setup was like the other groups, but the irradiating devices were turned off. Group B included non-pregnant females, pregnant (exposed and control subgroups), and their offspring. Thyroid hormones in the serum were measured, and the histology was microscopically analyzed, focusing on areas of colloid and epithelium in the thyroid follicles.

Results: Compared to the control group, T4 hormone levels were significantly different in male rats exposed to mobile jammer radiation (p-value = 0.037). In group B, significant differences were found solely in the male offspring regarding T3 levels due to jammer exposure (average = 109.00 for male offspring in the experiment vs. average = 65.50 for those in the control, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, histopathological findings indicated significant differences as well. These results highlight a potential link between exposure to electromagnetic radiation and changes in thyroid endocrine and histological parameters. Our findings suggest that ongoing assessment of existing safety guidelines on non-ionizing radiation exposure is necessary, especially concerning its effects on thyroid hormone levels and follicular histology.