Prevention of mobile phone induced skin tissue changes by melatonin in rat

Ozguner F, Aydin G, Mollaoglu H, Gokalp O, Koyu A, Cesur G.

Toxicol Ind Health. 20(6-10):133-139, 2004

Most of the mobile phones in Turkey emit 900 MHz radiation which is mainly absorbed by the skin and, to a lesser extent, muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects the 900 MHz electromagnetic irradiation emitted by these devices on the induction of histopathologic changes in skin and the effect of melatonin (Mel) on any of these changes.

Thirty male Wistar-Albino rats were used in the study. The experimental groups were composed of: a nontreated control group, an irradiated group (IR) without Mel and an irradiated with Mel treatment group (IR + Mel).

900 MHz radiation was applied to IR group for 10 days (30 min/day). The IR + Mel group received 10 mg/kg per day melatonin in tap water for 10 days before irradiation. At the end of the tenth day, the skin graft was excized from the thoraco-abdominal area. Histopathologic changes in skin were analyzed.

In the IR group, increased thickness of stratum corneum, atrophy of epidermis, papillamatosis, basal cell proliferation, increased granular cell layer (hypergranulosis) in epidermis and capillary proliferation, impairment in collagen tissue distribution and separation of collagen bundles in dermis were all observed compared to the control group. Most of these changes, except hypergranulosis, were prevented with melatonin treatment.

In conclusion, exposure to 900 MHz radiation emitted by mobile phones caused mild skin changes. Furthermore, melatonin treatment can reduce these changes and may have a beneficial effect to prevent 900 MHz mobile phone-induced rat skin changes.