The effect of electromagnetic radiation on indexes of antioxidant defense in rat erythrocytes and blood plasma

Abstract

The aim of the research was to study the effect of decimeter-range electromagnetic radiation on indexes of antioxidant defense in rat erythrocytes and blood plasma. Methods. Experiments were performed on rats exposed to decimeter-range electromagnetic field for three mos. Chemiluminescent analysis of erythrocytes and blood plasma was performed. Intensity of free-radical oxidation in erythrocytes and plasma was evaluated by parameters of maximum chemiluminescence intensity (Imax), light sum (S), the light sum after the maximum chemiluminescence value (imax), and ZImax and Dec coefficients. The content of reduced glutathione in peripheral blood erythrocytes and the plasma contents of ceruloplasmin, iron and copper were measured spectrophotometrically at 30, 60, and 90 days. Results. A long-term exposure of animals to the electromagnetic field for 3 mos. led to changes in chemiluminescent parameters of erythrocytes. The changes in Imax, S, and Simax indicated impairment of free-radical oxidation processes. The content of glutathione was increased in peripheral blood erythrocytes. The plasma contents of ceruloplasmin and copper were increased whereas the content of iron was decreased. Conclusion. The long-term exposure of animals to the electromagnetic field results in an imbalance of the erythrocyte pro-/antioxidant system. The antioxidants glutathione and ceruloplasmin are targets for the decimeter-range electromagnetic radiation. The study demonstrated the effect of long-term electromagnetic radiation on indexes of mineral metabolism evident as a decrease in the content of iron and an increase in the content of copper in the blood plasma.