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.