Abstract
Objective To investigate changes in the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, heart, lung, and testes of rats after exposure to electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Methods Eighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham and exposure groups. The exposure groups received EMP at 200 kV/m for 200 pulses with a repetition rate of 1 Hz. The expression of TJ proteins (ZO-1, occludin, actin) in the several organs was examined by western blotting. Results ZO-1 levels in the cerebral cortex decreased 1 h and 3 h after EMP exposure compared with sham group ( P<0.05). No significant difference was observed for occludin and actin. ZO-1 levels in the hippocampus increased 1 h and 3 h post-exposure ( P<0.05), and occludin decreased after 3 h ( P<0.05); however, actin was unaffected. ZO-1 levels in the heart increased 3 h post-exposure ( P<0.05), occludin decreased 3 h post-exposure ( P<0.05), and actin increased 1 h and 3 h post-exposure ( P<0.05). ZO-1, occludin and actin levels in the lung decreased compared with those in the sham group ( P<0.05). ZO-1 and occludin levels in the testes decreased 1 h and 3 h post-exposure ( P<0.05), but actin showed no significant change. Conclusion Exposure to EMP altered the expression levels of TJ proteins, particularly ZO-1, in the organs of adult male rats, which may induce changes in barrier structure and function.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
