Exogenous glutathione prevents mobile phone radiations-induced neurobehavioural deficits in mice via central antioxidant pathway

Abstract

Background: The development and rapid growth of mobile communication systems has brought about great socio-economic benefit to humans.  Previous studies demonstrated potential health hazards induced by radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) emitted by such devices. We  therefore hypothesize that exogenous glutathione, as an antioxidant, may potentiate these effects. This study assessed the modulatory effect of  exogenous glutathione administration against chronic exposure to mobile phone radiation induced neuro-behavioural changes and oxidative stress in mice.

Method: Thirty-five (35) adult male mice were randomly divided into seven (7) groups of 5 mice each. They were exposed to mobile phone radiation  (it2160, 2W/kg SAR, 850-1900 MHz) for four hours daily for six (6) weeks (except the control). Groups V, VI and VII were administered with glutathione  (100mg/kg, orally) daily before exposure to mobile phone radiation. Neurobehaviours (anxiety, depression, motor coordination, cognition and pain  perception) were assessed using mice models.

Results: Chronic exposure to mobile phone radiation in this study causes increase in anxiety, depression  and motor coordination in the mice. There was also a decrease in central and chemical pain perception, as well as induction of oxidative stress in the  brain. However, exogenous glutathione administration modulates those neuro-behavioural deficits, decreases the brain MDA and increases brain GSH  concentrations.

Conclusion: Glutathione administration improved neuro-behavioural deficits and brain oxidative status in mice after chronic exposure to  mobile phone radiation.