Melatonin modulates 900 Mhz microwave-induced lipid peroxidation changes in rat brain.
Koylu H, Mollaoglu H, Ozguner F, Nazyroglu M, Delibab N. · 2006
View Original AbstractCell phone frequency radiation caused measurable brain damage in rats through oxidative stress, but antioxidant treatment provided partial protection.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rats to cell phone frequency radiation and found it caused brain damage through oxidative stress in two key brain regions. However, giving rats melatonin beforehand prevented damage in the hippocampus, suggesting antioxidants may protect against microwave radiation's harmful effects.
Why This Matters
This study adds to the growing body of evidence that radiofrequency radiation at cell phone frequencies can cause oxidative damage in brain tissue. The 900 MHz frequency used here is identical to what many cell phones emit, making these findings directly relevant to human exposure. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates a biological mechanism for how RF radiation might harm the brain - through oxidative stress that damages cellular components. The fact that melatonin provided partial protection suggests the damage is indeed caused by oxidative processes, not just heating effects. While we can't directly extrapolate from rat studies to humans, this research supports the precautionary principle when it comes to limiting our exposure to wireless radiation, especially given that our brains are exposed to these frequencies daily through cell phone use.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz
Study Details
The present study was designed to determine the effects of MW on the brain lipid peroxidation system, and the possible protective effects of melatonin on brain degeneration induced by MW.
Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows: (1) sham-o...
The levels of lipid peroxidation in the brain cortex and hippocampus increased in the MW group compa...
We conclude that melatonin may prevent MW-induced oxidative changes in the hippocampus by strengthening the anti-oxidant defense system, by reducing oxidative stress products.
Show BibTeX
@article{h_2006_melatonin_modulates_900_mhz_1662,
author = {Koylu H and Mollaoglu H and Ozguner F and Nazyroglu M and Delibab N.},
title = {Melatonin modulates 900 Mhz microwave-induced lipid peroxidation changes in rat brain.},
year = {2006},
doi = {10.1191/0748233706th263oa},
url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1191/0748233706th263oa},
}