The Effects of Electromagnetic Fields to Whole Protein, Myelin Basic Protein, Neuron Specific Enolase Profiles and Nitric Oxide Levels in Rat Brains

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to whole protein, neuron specific enolase (NSE), myelin basic protein (MBP) profiles and nitric oxide levels in rat brains. In addition, serum NSE was also determined. For this aim, 33 rats with 2-days-old age were divided into three groups. The rats in control group were kept in the normal conditions with no exposure of EMF. Group 2 and 3 were exposed to 900 and 1800MHz EMF respectively for 2 h/day for 90 days at the same time and everyday in the piecage restrainer. At the end of the exposure period, the brains of rats were excluded and splitted up to two parts (right and left), horizontally. The brain parts of same groups were mixed, homogenized and sonicated. The protein concentrations were equalized to 40 mg/ml with spectrophotometer. The protein profiles were determined for sizes and densities of bands with SDS-PAGE. NSE and MBP profiles were detected with western blot technique. Nitric oxide levels were determined by using ELISA test kit. The sizes of protein bands were detected as being same but the densities were found as variable into the groups for all parameters. The protein band, MBP and NSE densities of brains of rats were defined as increased in group 2, but decreased in group 3 when compared with control group. Also, there was no difference seen in right and left parts of brains in all groups. NSE in serum was determined to be higher in group 3 than the group 2 and control. Nitric oxide levels in the right and left brain parts were 224.09±20.32 μM/mL and 207.43±24.19 μM/mL in control group, 253.8±33.58 μM/mL and 336.9±24.47 μM/mL in group 2, 237.87±36.30 μM/mL and 281.53±36.75 μM/mL in group 3, respectively. The difference of nitric oxide levels among the groups was found as not significant (P>0.05). The results of this study may lighten the future and advance studies about the risks of the cellular and digital communication handsets against brain used by the general public.