Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026
The Micronucleus Assay on Cryopreserved Whole Blood
Published on: February 23, 2024
Micronucleus induction after whole-body microwave irradiation of rats
Ivancica Trosic1, Ivana Busljeta, Vilena Kasuba
1Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, P.O. Box 291, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia. itrosic@imi.hr
Abstract:
Adult male Wistar rats were exposed for 2 h a day, 7 days a week for up to 30 days to continuous 2,450 MHz radiofrequency microwave (rf/MW) radiation at a power density of 5-10 mW/cm(2). Sham-exposed rats were used as controls. After ether anesthesia, experimental animals were euthanized on the final irradiation day for each treated group. Peripheral blood smears were examined for the extent of genotoxicity, as indicated by the presence of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs). The results for the time-course of PCEs indicated significant differences (P<0.05) for the 2nd, the 8th and the 15th day between control and treated subgroups of animals. Increased influx of immature erythrocytes into the peripheral circulation at the beginning of the experiment revealed that the proliferation and maturation of nucleated erythropoietic cells were affected by exposure to the 2,450 MHz radiofrequency radiation. Such findings are indicators of radiation effects on bone-marrow erythropoiesis and their subsequent effects in circulating red cells. The incidence of micronuclei/1,000 PCEs in peripheral blood was significantly increased (P<0.05) in the subgroup exposed to rf/MW radiation after eight irradiation treatments of 2 h each in comparison with the sham-exposed control group. It is likely that an adaptive mechanism, both in erythrocytopoiesis and genotoxicity appeared in the rat experimental model during the subchronic irradiation treatment.
Insights
Exposure to 2,450 MHz radiofrequency radiation increased genotoxicity in rats, indicated by elevated micronuclei in red blood cells. This suggests potential adaptive mechanisms in erythropoiesis and genotoxicity during chronic exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) radiation are prevalent in modern environments.
- Understanding the biological effects of RF/MW exposure is crucial for public health.
- Genotoxicity assessments are vital for evaluating potential health risks from environmental agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genotoxic effects of continuous 2,450 MHz RF/MW radiation on Wistar rats.
- To assess the impact of RF/MW exposure on erythropoiesis and red blood cell parameters.
- To determine if adaptive mechanisms develop during subchronic RF/MW irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to 2,450 MHz RF/MW radiation (5-10 mW/cm²) for 2 hours daily for up to 30 days.
- Sham-exposed rats served as controls.
- Peripheral blood smears were analyzed for micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) to assess genotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in PCE counts were observed between control and exposed groups on days 2, 8, and 15.
- Increased immature erythrocyte influx indicated affected erythropoiesis and red cell maturation.
- A significant increase in micronuclei incidence per 1,000 PCEs was found in the RF/MW exposed group after eight treatments.
Conclusions:
- Continuous 2,450 MHz RF/MW radiation exposure induces genotoxicity in rats.
- RF/MW radiation affects bone marrow erythropoiesis and circulating red blood cells.
- Evidence suggests the development of adaptive mechanisms in erythrocytosis and genotoxicity during subchronic exposure.