Effects of 900 and 1800 MHz Electromagnetic Field Application on Electrocardiogram, Nitric Oxide, Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Oxidant Capacity, Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin Levels in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 900 and 1800 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by base station antennas implementing the mobile telephone communication on electrocardiogram (ECG) and some biochemical parameters. Animal material was consisted of 26 male guinea pigs, weighing 652 +/- 22.8 g in average. Animals were divided into three groups, as group 1 (control n=7), group 2 (900 MHz EMF n=10) and group 3 (1800 MHz EMF n=9). Groups 2 and 3 were subjected to EMF for 20 days, daily between 13: 00-17:00 pm for 4. Total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, plasma oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels were determined in plasma. Statistical comparision of data obtained from plasma analysis revealed a significant difference in guinea pigs subjected to 900 and 1800 MHz radioactive field for albumin, globulin and TOS levels (P<0.05). NO reflected a significant difference in 900 MHz EMF subjected guinea pigs, compared to the control group (P<0.05), however no differences were observed in 1800 MHz EMF subjected animals. Data obtained from ECG and plasma analysis indicated that EMF subjection may lead to some irregularities in the autonomic control of the heart in addition to oxidative damage.