The effects of exposure of male rats to a 50 Hz magnetic field on testes and sperms and the underlying mechanism of action should be investigated.
Rats were divided into two groups: 1) exposure to the magnetic field (n=14) and 2) sham exposure (n=12).
| Exposure | Parameters |
|---|---|
|
Exposure 1:
50 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 3 h/day for 5 weeks
|
|
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 3 h/day for 5 weeks |
| Exposure source | |
|---|---|
| Chamber | methacrylate cages (24 x 25 x 28 cm) |
| Setup | two pairs of circular Helmholtz coils; rats were placed in cages between the coils individually and were allowed to move freely |
| Sham exposure | A sham exposure was conducted. |
| Measurand | Value | Type | Method | Mass | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| magnetic flux density | 0.8 mT | - | measured | - | - |
A significant larger amount of sperms with isolated heads and a lack of hook was observed in the exposure group compared to the sham exposure group.
Moreover, the testosterone level and fatty acid content of phospholipids were significantly decreased in exposed animals in comparison to sham exposed animals.
In the histological analysis, a decreased spermatogenesis in some seminiferous tubules and increased numbers of blood vessel congestions in the stroma, more interstitial edema and more Sertoli cells were observed in exposed animals compared to the sham exposure group (remark EMF-Portal: no significance stated).
All other parameter did not show any differences between the groups.
The authors conclude that exposure of male rats to a 50 Hz magnetic field could have detrimental effects on testes and sperms, possibly due to a disruption of cell membranes in testes tissues.
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