The Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Generated from 1800 MHz Cell Phones on Erythrocyte Rheological Parameters and Zinc Level in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the electromagnetic field generated from the 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation (EF) on erythrocyte rheological parameters and erythrocyte zinc levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar Albino rats were randomly grouped as follows: 1) two control groups and 2) study groups: i) Group A: EF exposed group (2.5 h/day for 30 days, the phone on stand-by), and ii) Group B: EF exposed group (2.5 min/day for 30 days, the phone ringing in silent mode). At the end of the experimental period erythrocyte rheological parameters such as erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were determined by an ectacytometer. Erythrocyte zinc level, which affects hemorheological parameters, was also measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Erythrocyte deformability was decreased in both study groups but the decrease in group A was not statistically significant. Exposure to EF did not have any significant effect on erythrocyte aggregation. On the other hand, erythrocyte zinc level was significantly reduced in both study groups. CONCLUSION: Exposure to EF may have decreased tissue oxygenation due to reduced erythrocyte deformability. Decrease in erythrocyte zinc level may have caused the impairment in erythrocyte deformability.

Ceruloplasmin, copper, selenium, iron, zinc, and manganese levels in normal and sulfite oxidase deficient rat plasma: effects of sulfite exposure.

A noticeable effect of sulfite treatment was observed on the plasma ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity of rats with normal sulfite oxidase activity when compared to normal controls. The plasma levels of selenium, iron, and zinc were unaffected by sulfite in normal and sulfite oxidase (SOX)-deficient rats. While plasma level of Mn was decreasing, plasma Cu level increased in SOX-deficient rats. Treating SOX-deficient groups with sulfite did not alter plasma level of Mn but made plasma level of Cu back to its normal level. This is the first evidence that Cu and Mn status were affected in experimental sulfite oxidase deficiency induced by low molybdenum diet with tungsten addition deserving further research to determine the underlying mechanisms of these observations in experimental sulfite oxidase deficiency.