Neuroanatomical Alterations in the Rat Auditory Cortex Induced by Fourth and Fifth Generation Wireless Radiation Exposure: A Laboratory-Based Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of Fourth and Fifth Generation 2100 MHz and 3500 MHz) radiofrequency
electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on cortical layer organization and granule cell necrosis in the auditory
cortex of rats.
Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Anatomy Department, Islamic International
Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from November 2023 to October 2024.
Methods: Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 per group).
Group A served as the control with no RF-EMR exposure. Group B was exposed to 2100 MHz Fourth Generation
(4G), and Group C to 3500 MHz Fifth Generation (5G) RF-EMR using an ADALM-PLUTO module. All exposures
were conducted for 5 hours daily over 4 weeks. Following exposure, the rats were sacrificed, and their auditory
cortices were subjected to histological analysis using Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Cortical layer organization
and granule cell necrosis were evaluated. Necrosis was graded from 0 (no necrosis) to 4 (severe necrosis). Data
was analyzed using SPSS version 27, with a P-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: All groups showed regular cortical layering with distinct borders. Granule cell necrosis was absent in
controls, minimal in 4G (Group B), and more severe in 5G (Group C), where 10% showed severe necrosis.
Necrosis grades differed significantly among groups (P = 0.006), with 5G showing the highest neurotoxicity.
Conclusion: Compared to 4 G exposure, 5G radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation results in significant
granule cell necrosis in the auditory cortex, suggesting that higher-frequency electromagnetic radiation may
induce greater neurotoxic effects. These findings highlight the potential risks of prolonged exposure to 5G
radiation, particularly regarding neuronal integrity and brain health.

How to cite this: Haroon A, Ali S, Umar U, Farooq S, Qureshi T, Fahad T. Neuroanatomical Alterations in the Rat Auditory Cortex Induced by Fourth and Fifth Generation Wireless Radiation Exposure: A Laboratory-Based Experimental Study. Life and Science. 2025; 6(2): 217-222. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.847