Background and Objectives: Mobile phones emit electromagnetic waves that have adverse effects on many organs. Adrenal
cortex is an important gland in the human body. In this study, the effect of mobile phone radiation on the adrenal cortex and
the possible protective role of green tea extract were investigated.
Materials and Methods: Twenty- seven adult male Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups; group < br />I [the control group], group II [the mobile phone group], and group III [the mobile phone group received green tea extract
(GTE)]. Serum adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase
(CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Gene expression of NF-κB was measured. Histological examination
was done using H&E, Masson trichrome, and caspase 3. Morphometric and statistical analyses were performed.
Results: Adrenal MDA was elevated and CAT and SOD were decreased in group II, while in group III significantly decreased
MDA and increased the activities of CAT and SOD. NF-κB was highly increased in group II and, moderately increased in
group III. Histological examination showed distortion of histological architecture, congestion and increased vacuolation ,
a significant increase in collagen fibers and caspase 3 immunoreaction in group II. In group III, there were restoration of
histological architecture and few areas of congestion and vacuolation and moderate increase in collagen fibers and caspase 3
immunoreaction.
Conclusions: Mobile phone radiation caused adverse effects on the function and structure of the adrenal cortex and the intake
of green tea significantly prevented this effect.