[Ultrastructural change of rabbit lens epithelial cells induced by low power level microwave radiation].
OBJECTIVE
To study the ultrastructural change of rabbit lens epithelial cells with transmission electron microscope and to observe whether low power level microwave can induce the injury of rabbit lens.


METHODS
Eight rabbit eyes were exposed to 10 mW/cm(2) low power level microwave radiation for 30 hours. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of the lens epithelial cells. The other eye was served as self-control.


RESULTS
The ultrastructure of exposed lens epithelial cells changed apparently. The characteristic apoptosis cell morphological changes, such as small cell size, the decreased number of mitochondria, balloon-shaped mitochondria, etc can be seen. No obvious changes can be found in the protected self-control eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
The low power level microwave (10 mW/cm(2)) can induce the ultrastructural changes of rabbit lens epithelial cells, this may be the appearance of early irreversible microwave radiation injury. In regard to the pathogenic mechanism, it is necessary to perform further investigations.
Ye
J
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Second Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Ya
K
K
Wu
R
R
D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008872:Microwaves; D011817:Rabbits