Electric field–induced inflammatory and angiogenic responses in rat female reproductive tissues: evidence for early extracellular matrix remodeling

High-intensity electric fields (EFs) are increasingly encountered in occupational and environmental settings, raising concerns regarding their potential biological effects on hormonally responsive organs. However, the cellular and molecular responses of female reproductive tissues to short-term exposure to high-voltage EFs remain insufficiently characterized. This study aims to investigate EF-associated histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in major female reproductive organs. Forty adult female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (n = 8 per group): a control group (0 min) and four EF-exposed groups subjected to a nominal electric field intensity of 10 kV/m EF for 1, 5, 15, or 30 min using a custom-designed parallel-plate exposure system. The field intensity was verified at predefined measurement points within the exposure setup. Ovaries, uterus, and uterine tubes were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining and semi-quantitative histopathological scoring. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and osteonectin as markers of inflammation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Exposure to the electric field was associated with time-dependent histopathological alterations, including tissue edema, hemorrhage, epithelial degeneration, and leukocyte infiltration. The most pronounced ovarian and uterine changes were observed in the 30-min exposure group, whereas the uterine tubes exhibited comparatively milder structural alterations. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated increased TNF-α and VEGF expression in higher-exposure groups, suggesting activation of inflammatory and angiogenic pathways. Osteonectin expression was elevated in all examined reproductive tissues and was also detected in regions without overt morphological damage, indicating its potential sensitivity to early tissue stress responses associated with EF exposure. Significant correlations were observed between histopathological injury scores and immunohistochemical marker expression levels. Overall, short-term exposure to high-intensity electric field was associated with inflammatory signaling, angiogenic responses, and extracellular matrix remodeling in female reproductive tissues in this experimental model. These findings provide histological and immunohistochemical evidence of tissue responses to EF exposure and underscore the need for further studies incorporating comprehensive exposure characterization and additional molecular endpoints to better define potential reproductive health implications to high-voltage electric fields.