Duration-Dependent Lung Injury Induced by High-Intensity Electric Field Exposure: Histopathological and Immunoinflammatory Insights
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol.26, no.20, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 26 Issue: 20
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.3390/ijms262010125
- Journal Name: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Keywords: acute-phase reactants, electric field, lung injury, pulmonary inflammation, thoracic surgery
- Isparta University of Applied Sciences Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Patients undergoing thoracic surgery or intensive care are frequently exposed to high-voltage electric fields generated by medical devices; however, the duration-dependent effects of such exposure on lung tissue remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological and immunoinflammatory effects of exposure to a uniform 10 kV/m electric field for varying durations using a rat model. Thirty-five adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 7): control, and 1, 5, 15, and 30 min exposure groups. Lung tissues were analyzed histologically with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the immunohistochemical expression of IL-1β, RANKL, and TNF-α was semi-quantitatively assessed. Histopathological examination revealed a duration-dependent increase in lung injury, with the 30 min group showing marked epithelial loss, mononuclear infiltration, edema, and vascular congestion (p < 0.001). The expression of IL-1β, RANKL, and TNF-α remained minimal in the 1–15 min groups but was significantly elevated in the 30 min group (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that prolonged exposure to high-voltage electric fields induces substantial pulmonary inflammation and tissue damage, indicating the presence of a threshold beyond which inflammatory pathways are abruptly activated. These results highlight the importance of establishing safety guidelines for electric field exposure in clinical settings.