Objective: 

There are very few studies on the biological effects of personal communication devices (Wi-Fi, bluetooth) and microwave ovens frequencies (2450 MHz) in the literature. This study was designed to investigate the histopathological effects of 2450 MHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in rat kidney tissue and possible ameliorating effects of melatonin.

Methods: 

Thirty two male Wistar Albino rats were randomly grouped as follows (n=8/group): Cage-control group [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 10 mg/kg/day, i.p., without stress and EMR; Group I], shame-control rats stayed in restrainer without exposure to EMR and DMSO (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.); Group II, rats exposed to 2450 MHz EMR; Group III, 2450 MHz EMR exposed+melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) treated group; Group IV. Group III and Group IV were exposed to 2450 MHz EMR 60 minutes/day for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, tissue samples were taken for histopathological examination. Data was estimated by using the chi square test of SPSS v15.0.

Results: 

There was no significant difference between the groups by means of glomerular sclerosis, tubular necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, thickening of the wall of vessel, hydropic degeneration of tubular epithelial cells. However, in the Group III, vascular congestion (p<0.05), interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration (p<0.01) were observed significantly increased when compared with Group I, II. In the Group IV, vasccular congestion, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration reduced, but no significant difference when compared with Group III.

Conclusions: 

Exposure to 2450 MHz EMR may cause histopathological changes, but treatment by melatonin can diminish these changes. We suggest that melatonin may have a beneficial effect in preventing renal impairments in rats.