Hazardous effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones on the brain and cochlea of albino rats: role of melatonin and vitamin C

The wide spread of mobile phone communication raises questions about the effects of electromagnetic fields [EMFs] on the human body. The objective of this study was to examine effects of exposure to radio frequency EMFs emitted by mobile phones on the brain and cochlea, and to investigate the role of melatonin and vitamin C on these effects in adult rats. Forty two adult albino rats were randomly grouped into 7 groups [six rats each]. Group I [Negative control], Group II [Sham-operated without exposure to EMR], Group III [rats treated with melatonin], Group IV [rats treated with vitamin C], Group V [Exposed group, rats were exposed to mobile phone radiation, Group VI [Exposed and treated with melatonin] and Group VII [Exposed and treated with Vit C]. Groups V, VI and VII were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 min/day, for 30 days using an experimental exposure device. Glutathione [GSH] level and superoxide dismutase enzyme [SOD] activity in brain tissue and blood, gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] and norepinephrine [NE] levels in the brain tissue and serum corticosterone level were estimated in all examined groups. Histopathological examination of brain tissue and cochleae [organ of Corti] by light microscope was also performed for all groups. The results of the study revealed that exposure to mobile phone radiations induced significant decrease in GSH level and SOD enzyme activity in brain tissue and blood, decrease GABA levels and increase NE levels in brain tissue, and significant increase in serum corticosterone level. Brain tissue of exposed rats revealed small dispersed neurons with dark swollen nuclei in undifferentiated layers of the cerebral cortex, deeply stained swollen nuclei of Purkinje cells and hypocelularity of granular layer with disorganization of molecular layer of cerebellum and degenerated neurons with dark pyknotic and swollen nuclei on both sides the dentate gyrus of hippocampus. Complete destruction of all cells of the organ of Corti and neurons of spiral ganglion was noticed in the exposure group. Co-administration of melatonin or Vit. C throughout the exposure period showed significant increase in the levels of GSH, SOD enzyme activity in brain tissue and blood, increase GABA and decrease in NE levels in brain tissue and significant decrease in serum corticosterone level compared to exposed group. Furthermore, brain and organ of Corti of rats exposed to mobile phone and treated with melatonin showed nearly normal structure. While, co-administration of Vit. C throughout the exposure period showed mild protection of brain tissue and organ of Corti. Mobile phone radiations induced both biologically and histopathologically deleterious effects on the brain tissues and organ of Corti, these effects were ignorantly reversed nearly to normal with co-administration of melatonin, while mild reverse was noticed with co-administration of Vit. C. It is recommended to use antioxidants for mobile phone users especially those who use it for long periods, and to decrease the calls period as much as possible

Anatomy of the facial nerve [F N] within the parotid gland

Facial nerve [FN] paralysis is the most serious and frequently encountered complication of parotid surgery. Review of literature revealed that preoperative and intraoperative FN identification by radiological methods, FN monitoring and FN stimulating test failed in completely solving this problem. The present study aimed to detail the intraparotid anatomy of FN 25 cadaveric head sides with intact skin were dissected to identify the parotid gland and its surrounding structures. Then the parotid tissue superficial to FN and its branches was removed. The FN bifurcated 2.1-5 mm behind the retromandibular vein [RMV] into upper and lower divisions. Both divisions passed superficial to RMV in 22 cases, the upper division passed deep in 2 cases and the lower division passed deep in one case. The FN divisions or their branches were in close contact with RMV except in one case where the upper division was separated from the vein by a small amount of parotid tissue. The site of branching of the upper and lower divisions was variable and occurred either behind RMV, at the point of crossing of the vein or infront of it. The mean lengths of FN trunk, upper division and lower division were 17.6, 5.4 and 8.9 mm respectively. Communications between FN branches were observed both within and outside the gland. These results may be helpful for radiologists and surgeons dealing with the parotid region

method for correction of the deviated cartilagenous nose

Surgical attempts to straighten a deviated nose do not always produce a satisfactory result. In a trial to correct simple and moderately deviated noses we selected 16 patients with cartilaginous nasal deviations, their ages ranged from 16 to 45 years, the septum was corrected and separated from the upper lateral cartilage in the side of the deviation so, freed from its pulling effect and brought to the midline and maintained in position by plastic splints. The follow up period was 12 to 18 months. Early results are promising both aesthetically and functionally

Estimation of phospholipase A2 [PLA2]. Protaglandin E2 [PGE2] cyclic amp [CAMP]. interferon - Y [IFN - Y] and soluble interleukin - 2 receptor [SiL - 2 R] levels in middle ear effusion

Levels of PLA[2]. PGE[2]. CAMP, IFN-omega and SIL-2R were estimated in middle ear effusions from 32 patients suffering from otitis media with effusion. They were 19 patients with mucoid type effusion and 13 with serous type. All parameters estimated showed significant increase in cases with mucoid effusion except level of IFN-omega which was significantly increased in the serous type and we suggested that both serous and mucoid types of otitis media with effusion may have different immunological background