Effect of Electromagnetic Field on Adrenal Cortex and Thyroid Glands of Male Albino Rat and the Possible Protective Effect of Omega-3. A Histological and Hormonal Study.

Background and objectives: Mobile phones and the emitted electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation are considered a rising health concern that may affect multiple organs. This work was designed to evaluate the hazardous effects of EMF on adrenal cortex and thyroid gland, in addition to investigating the possible protective potency of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs).Materials and Methods: Thirty-four adult male albino rats were categorized into: control and experimental groups. The experimental group was sorted into (EMF-exposed group) which was exposed to a 1-hour phone call, daily for 8 weeks; (EMF-omega-3) group received 300 mg/kg of omega-3 once daily, in addition to EMFs; and (recovery group) was left to recover for 8 weeks more after stoppage of radiation. Corticosterone, ACTH, T3, T4 and TSH levels were measured. In addition to H&E, adrenal gland was stained with Masson Trichrome, and connexin-43 (Cx-43) immunostaining. The thyroid gland was stained with toluidine blue and caspase-3 immunostaining. Morphometric and statistical analyses were undertaken.Results: Adrenal cortex of EMF-exposed group showed areas of disorganized structure, cells with cytoplasmic vacuolations, pyknosis, dark acidophilic cytoplasm, thickened connective tissue, increased Cx-43 immuno-expression, in addition to increased stress response (high corticosterone and ACTH levels). Thyroid gland showed areas of histological damage in the form of disorganized follicles with disrupted basement membranes, cells with vacuolated cytoplasm or pyknotic nuclei, increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity, in addition to low T3, T4 levels (hypothyroidism) and high TSH levels. EMF-omega-3 group showed histological, immunohistochemical, hormonal and morphometric improvement. Recovery group exhibited incomplete recovery of both glands. Conclusion: This study highlights the adverse histological and physiological effects of mobile phone-emitted EMF radiation on adrenal cortex and thyroid gland. It also displays the protective effect of the concomitant consumption of ω-3 PUFAs.