Effect Of Garlic Oil On Haematological Parameters, Blood Respiratory Functions And Serum Testosterone In Male Rats Exposed To An Electromagnetic Field

This study was conducted to investigate the biological effects of exposure to an electromagnetic field (EMF, 900 MHz) emitted from mobile base station antenna for 4 weeks on haematological parameters, respiratory function of blood (blood gases, acid-base status) and oxygen equilibrium curves beside the levels of serum testosterone and possible protective role of garlic oil (250 mg/kg b.w/day for 4 weeks) in male albino rats. The results revealed significant reductions in haemoglobin (Hb) contents, total leucocytes (WBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and haematocrit value (Hct %) in rats exposed to EMF (GI). These reductions have been ameliorated by garlic oil treatment (GII). Significant increases in oxygen partial pressure (PO2) were observed in arterial (a) and alveolar (A) blood. These increases were reduced by garlic oil treatment. The percent oxygen saturation (% O2 sat) was significantly decreased in arterial while it was increased significantly in venous blood in both treated groups. There was a significant reduction in carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2) in the arterial blood after exposure to EMF (GI) which was decreased by garlic oil treatment. Significant reductions were recorded in arterial blood pH, bicarbonate (HCO-3), total carbon dioxide (TCO2) and arterial and venous blood base excess (BE). These reductions were decreased by garlic oil treatment in GII. The blood oxygen equilibrium curves (OEC) of (GI) and (GII) were shifted to the right compared to that of control group with non-significant increases in P50 . The level of serum testosterone was highly significantly decreased in GI. This reduction was decreased in garlic oil treated group (GII). It can be concluded that garlic oil has a protective role against the hazardous effects of EMF.