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[Effects of microwave radiation on thymocytes in mice at different power densities]
Xia Sun1, Wen-hui Zhang, Yu-jie Niu
1Department of Occupational Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of microwave radiation on thymocytes in mice at different power densities.
Methods:
The experimental animals were whole-body exposed to microwave radiation with frequency of 2,450 MHz, power density of 1, 5, 15 mW/cm(2) respectively 1 h everyday for 30 days. Then the thymus were taken out after the mice were decapitated. Thymus index, morphological characteristics of thymus were examined. The changes of thymus T-cell subgroups, cell cycle progression in thymocytes and cellular apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry (FCM).
Results:
The body weights of animals in 5, 15 mW/cm(2) irradiation groups [(28.10 +/- 1.46), (27.50 +/- 2.52) g] were lower than that of the control [(31.95 +/- 2.51) g] (P < 0.05). Pathological observation showed dark red piece of nucleus, some nuclei inclined to one side, slight increase in hassall body. The expressions of CD8 in 5, 15 mW/cm(2) irradiation groups (29.14% +/- 1.68%, 29.18% +/- 0.81%) were higher than that in control group (26.95% +/- 1.27%) (P < 0.05). The percentages of G(2) + M phase thymocytes in both radiation groups (12.24% +/- 1.82%, 11.19% +/- 1.36%) were lower than that in control group (14.58% +/- 0.64%) (P < 0.01). Thymocytic apoptosis rates in the three experimental groups (7.18% +/- 0.99%, 10.06% +/- 1.58%, 9.45% +/- 0.92%) were higher than that in control (4.25% +/- 1.63%) (P < 0.01), but the evident difference between 5 mW/cm(2) and 15 mW/cm(2) was not found (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Sub-chronic microwave exposure (2 450 MHz, 5, 15 mW/cm(2)) could induce thymocyte apoptosis, cause pathological changes in thymus, and affect cell cycle progression, thus may inhibit the immune function of the animal.
Insights
Sub-chronic microwave radiation exposure at 2,450 MHz and power densities of 5 and 15 mW/cm(2) induced thymocyte apoptosis and thymus pathological changes in mice, potentially inhibiting immune function.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microwave radiation is increasingly prevalent in daily life.
- Understanding its biological effects is crucial for public health.
- The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ vital for immune cell development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying microwave radiation power densities on mouse thymocytes.
- To assess changes in thymus morphology, T-cell subgroups, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to 2,450 MHz microwave radiation at 1, 5, and 15 mW/cm(2) for 1 hour daily over 30 days.
- Thymus index and morphology were examined.
- Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to analyze T-cell subgroups, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Lower body weights were observed in the 5 and 15 mW/cm(2) groups compared to controls.
- Pathological changes in the thymus included nuclear alterations and increased Hassall bodies.
- Increased CD8 expression, decreased G(2) + M phase thymocytes, and elevated thymocytic apoptosis rates were noted in radiation groups.
Conclusions:
- Sub-chronic exposure to microwave radiation (5 and 15 mW/cm(2)) induces thymocyte apoptosis and pathological thymus alterations.
- Cell cycle progression is affected, suggesting a potential inhibition of immune function.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term immunological consequences.
