ABSTRACT

We aim to investigate the possible protective effects of melatonin on ovary in the case of mobile phone radiation exposure by using light microscopic examinations.

Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Throughout in 90-day experiment, there was no application performed to control group. The second group was exposed to 2100 MHz radiation for 30 minutes. Subcutaneous melatonin was enjected to the third group. Subcutaneous melatonin enjection was applied 40 minutes before radiation and then radiation was exposed for 30 minutes to the fourth group. At the end of the experiment, ovary tissues were stained by Hematoxylin- Eosin, TUNEL, PCNA and sections were photographed under light microscope. Zona pellusida thickness were measured in PAS stainings. Moreover, number of follicles were counted and all data were statistically analysed.

The number of atretic follicles were increased and zona pellucida were seen in thick and thin formations in radiation group according to Hematoxylin-Eosine staining. Atretic follicles were decreased in Radiation+Melatonin group, this finding was also supported by TUNEL. In PCNA immunstaining; the immunreactivity was seen in fewer cells compared to control group through primordial follicles, developing follicles and corpus luteum.

In conclusion it was thought that melatonin injection could partially inhibited the structural degenerations caused by radiation depend on the dosage or application period.