Histopathological Insights into Purkinje Cell Responses of Maternal and Fetal Cerebellum in Mice: Electromagnetic Wave Exposure and Protective Role of Cactus (Opuntia spp.)

Armalina, Desy and Susilaningsih, Neni and Sutanto, Heri and Sunarno, . (2026) Histopathological Insights into Purkinje Cell Responses of Maternal and Fetal Cerebellum in Mice: Electromagnetic Wave Exposure and Protective Role of Cactus (Opuntia spp.). World's Veterinary Journal. 347 - 359. ISSN 23224568

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Abstract

The rapid expansion of wireless technologies has significantly increased human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), raising concerns about potential effects on reproductive and developmental health. Opuntia cochenillifera (O. cochenillifera), a cactus rich in mucilage and mineral oxides, has potential as a bio-based material for reducing the intensity of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) through dielectric and magnetic interactions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of EMW exposure on Purkinje cell morphology in maternal and fetal cerebellum and to assess the protective potential of distinct O. cochenillifera formulations. A total of 42 pregnant BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups, including healthy mice as the positive control group, EMW-exposed mice as the negative control group, and four treatment groups. The treatment groups were subjected to EMW exposure alongside the administration of either fresh cactus, dried cactus gel, or powdered cactus (3 g each). The EMW exposure was administered at a specific absorption rate of 1.74 W/kg throughout gestation. Cerebellar tissues were collected on day 20 for histological analysis and characterized by X-ray fluorescence and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Histological findings demonstrated that EMW exposure disrupted Purkinje cell alignment and decreased Purkinje cell counts in the negative control group. In contrast, all treatment groups demonstrated preserved cellular structure and morphology comparable to that of the healthy mice. Quantitative analysis confirmed significantly higher cell counts in treated groups than in the negative control group. The current findings indicated that EMW exposure adversely affected cerebellar development, while O. cochenillifera exhibited protective effects, supporting its potential as a natural EMF-attenuating material. © The Author(s) 2026. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Cactus; Cerebellum; Electromagnetic wave; Histopathology; Purkinje cell
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	World's Veterinary Journal (WVJ)
Page Range:	347 - 359
Journal or Publication Title:	World's Veterinary Journal
Journal Index:	Scopus
Volume:	16
Number:	2
Publisher:	Scienceline Publication
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.54203/scil.2026.wvj33
ISSN:	23224568
Depositing User:	Dr. Alireza Sadeghi
URI:	https://eprints.science-line.com/id/eprint/1749

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