Placental histomorphology and fetal growth impairment in mice prenatally exposed to cell phone radiation.

Background: Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure has recently increased significantly. Its influence on pregnancy outcomes, such as small for gestational age, low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm delivery, remains ambiguous. Extensive research has demonstrated that such exposure increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, although the mechanisms underlying changes in embryonic development are poorly understood. Aim: This study investigated the impact of EMFs on the placenta and offspring of BALB/c mice subjected to cell phone radiation. Methods: Fourteen pregnant mice were divided into two groups and placed in separate cages. The control group (CG) remained unexposed, whereas the experimental group (EG) was subjected to mobile phone radiation for 24 hours daily between gestational days 1 and 19 at a whole-body specific absorption rate of 1.75 W/kg. On day 20 of gestation, the mice were euthanized, the placenta was excised, and the fetuses were carefully detached. The body dimensions and weights of the pups were then measured. Results: Placental thickness in the decidua basalis of EG mice was reduced compared with that of CG mice, although not statistically significant, whereas the labyrinth zone showed significant thinning. Microscopic damage scoring revealed significantly higher degeneration in the decidua basalis and labyrinth layers of EG. Pup crown-rump length, tail length, and foot size were significantly longer in the CG than in the EG (* Conclusion: Continuous cell phone radiation during gestation resulted in labyrinth zone thinning, increased microscopic damage scores, and reduced fetal growth parameters.