Effects of 10 GHz MW exposure on hematological changes in Swiss albino mice and their modulation by Prunus domestica fruit extract

Purpose: To study the effects of 10 GHz microwave (MW) exposure on hematological changes in Swiss albino mice and possible modulatory role of Prunus domestica fruit extract (PDE). Materials and Methods: Mice were exposed to 10 GHz (Giga Hertz) microwaves with the power density of 0.25 mW/cm2 (milliwatt per centimeter square) with average whole body specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.1790 W/kg(watt per kilogram) daily for 2 hours per day (h/day) for 30 days. For this purpose mice (6 – 8 weeks old) selected from an inbred colony were divided into three groups: Group I: (Sham exposed) Mice of this group served as control they were placed in plexi glass cage without energizing the system for 2h/day for 30 consecutive days. Group II: (Microwave exposed) Mice of this group were exposed with microwaves 10 GHz for 2 h /day for 30 consecutive days. Group III: Mice of this group received 500mg/kg/b.wt (milligram per kilogram body weight) of PDE orally once daily 1 hour before exposure to10 GHz (2 h/day) for 30 consecutive days. After exposure mice blood samples were collected from mice of all the groups and analysis of the blood samples was carried out. Results: MW exposure resulted in significant decrease (P ? 0.001) in hemoglobin, monocytes, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration whereas, white blood cells, lymphocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and mean corpuscular volume increased significantly (P ? 0.001) in MW exposed mice compared to the sham exposed. Cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase and lipid peroxidation also increased significantly (P ? 0.001) after MW exposure compared to sham exposed mice. Depletion was noted in blood sugar, total protein, acid phosphatase and glutathione level after microwave exposure compared to sham exposed mice. Histopathological alterations in blood cells were also noted. Signs of improvements in the hematological and histopathological parameters were recorded in Group III where PDE was supplemented prior to exposure. Conclusion: MW exposure has influence on the hematological parameters which could be ameliorated by supplementation of PDE.