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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Morphometric Analyses of Retinal Sections
Published on: February 19, 2012
[Effect of vitamin E on morphological variation of retinal ganglion cells after microwave radiation]
1Department of Military Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Abstract:
To determine the morphological variation in the primary cultured pig retinal ganglion cells induced by microwave and the protection of VE can supply some experiment foundation for study of effect of microwave and its protection. Retinal ganglion cells of pig were cultured in vitro and added VE of different concentration, Each group was taken after 30 mW/cm2 microwave intensity radiated for 1 h in shielded room by 2450 MHz continuous wave physiotherapy machine. Immediately after radiation, the morphological variation of cells was observed by optics microscope and transmission electronic microscope. The result showed that a portion of cells congregated, with their axon disappeared after radiation. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are detected swelling by transmission electronic microscope. The results showed that A poptosis cells can be observed. Cells of VE added groups had not obvious changes with optics microscope, but could be found that mitochondria swelling lightly and integrate mitochondria cristae by transmission electronic microscope. The results showed that microwave induced the morphological damage in primary cultured retinal ganglion cells, VE could reduced the damage of retina ganglion cells by microwave in some extent.
Insights
Microwave radiation damages pig retinal ganglion cells, causing morphological changes and apoptosis. Vitamin E (VE) partially protects these cells from microwave-induced damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Context:
- Microwave radiation is increasingly prevalent in daily life.
- Understanding its biological effects on sensitive tissues like the retina is crucial.
- Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are vital for vision and vulnerable to injury.
Purpose:
- To investigate the morphological alterations in primary cultured pig retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) exposed to microwave radiation.
- To evaluate the protective efficacy of Vitamin E (VE) against microwave-induced RGC damage.
Summary:
- Primary pig RGCs were cultured and exposed to 30 mW/cm2 microwave radiation for 1 hour.
- Microscopic examination revealed cell aggregation, axon loss, mitochondrial swelling, and apoptosis post-radiation.
- VE treatment mitigated some of the observed morphological damage, particularly to mitochondria.
Impact:
- This study provides experimental evidence of microwave-induced RGC damage.
- It suggests Vitamin E as a potential protective agent against microwave-related retinal injury.
- Findings contribute to understanding the neuroprotective strategies for microwave exposure.
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