Effects of 950 MHz microwave radiation on morphometric changes of prostate in the rabbit

Abstract

Background: With regard to wide spectrum application of microwave in human life, its biological effects on tissues are still under debate. Objective: The aim of this study was t o determine the effects of 950 MHz microwave radiation on morphometric changes of prostate in rabbit. Methods: In this experimental study, 18 New Zealand male rabbits (11-13 weeks old) were randomly divided into control, 3 W and 6 W groups in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2012. The rabbits in the experimental groups were exposed to simulated 950 MHz and 3 or 6 W microwave radiation 2 hours a day for 2 weeks. After one week rest, the rabbits were sacrificed using anesthetic drugs and the prostate tissue samples were prepared. After preparing microscopic slides, villous height , villous thickness and muscle layer thickness were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Findings: The villous height was significantly decreased in the 3 W group compared to the control and 6 W groups while it was significantly increased in the 6 W group compared to the control group. The villous thickness was increased in both experimental groups compared to the control group but the difference was statistically significant for 6 W group. Increased villous thickness was not different between the experimental groups. The muscle layer thickness was significantly increased in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: With regards to the results, it seems that the microwave radiation with 950 MHz frequency has negative effects on morphometric changes of prostate in rabbit.