Functional changes and tissue respiration reserve capacity in different sections of the small intestine of mice exposed to electromagnetic fields

The parameters of tissue respiration in different parts of the small intestine of Af mice were analyzed during chronic exposure to the electromagnetic field (EMF) of a Wi-Fi device. A decrease in maximum respiratory capacity was demonstrated in all sections of the small intestine. However, the most critical effect was a disruption of the mitochondrial response to an oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler. In the duodenum and jejunum, the stimulating effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol became statistically insignificant, indicating functional depletion of the respiratory reserve in these sections. In the ileum, respiratory reserve was preserved. According to the combined criterion – changes in basal endogenous respiration and impaired metabolic reserve – the duodenum demonstrated the greatest vulnerability to chronic exposure to electromagnetic fields. These data suggest that long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation may underlie the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders and a decrease in intestinal barrier function by limiting the energy supply to its cells. 

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