To study the effects of an extremely low frequency magnetic field on the sex hormones and other fertility parameters of adult male rats.
Exposure | Parameters |
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Exposure 1:
50 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 18 weeks
|
|
Frequency | 50 Hz |
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Type | |
Waveform | |
Exposure duration | continuous for 18 weeks |
Exposure source |
|
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Chamber | Two identical exposure systems were built, one for exposure and one for the control animals. The exposure system and the control system were separated by 3.5 m to reduce any stray fields. Rats were randomly split in two cages (48 x 26 x 15 cm; length x breadth x height) made of polypropylene. Control rats were placed in two cages located in the center of the control system (without magnetic field). |
Setup | The magnetic field was arranged and produced by sets of rectangular coils similar to that reported by Juutilainen et al. [1987] publication id 3704. Details of the experimental set up have been reported by Al-Akhras et al. [2001] publication id 6741 and Elbetieha et al. [2002] publication id 8513. |
Measurand | Value | Type | Method | Mass | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
magnetic flux density | 25 µT | effective value | measured | - | ± 1 µT |
There were no significant effects on the absolute body weight and the weight of the testes of the exposed animals. However, the weights of seminal vesicles and preputial glands were significantly reduced in the exposed rats.
A significant reduction in sperm count was revealed in the exposed group.
Furthermore, there were no significant effects on the serum levels of male follicle stimulating hormone during the 18 weeks of exposure period. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the serum levels of male luteinizing hormone after 18 weeks of exposure, while testosterone levels were significantly decreased only after 6 and 12 weeks of the exposure period.
These results suggest that long term exposure to extremely low frequency could have adverse effects on mammalian fertility and reproduction.
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