To evaluate the effects of a prenatal and postnatal exposure to electromagnetic fields on the development of Sertoli cells in rats.
From 40 pregnant rats, 30 rats were selected for three weeks electromagnetic field exposure (intrauterine exposure) and ten rats as a control group. After delivery in both groups, 30 male pups each were exposed until five weeks of postnatal age. Subsequent to the exposure, 15 rats from both experimental (EG1) and control groups (CG1) were sacrificed. The remaining animals (EG2, CG2) were un-exposed for another eight weeks and then sacrificed.
| Exposure | Parameters |
|---|---|
|
Exposure 1:
50 Hz
Exposure duration:
continuous for 3 week in utero + 5 weeks after birth
|
|
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Exposure duration | continuous for 3 week in utero + 5 weeks after birth |
| Measurand | Value | Type | Method | Mass | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| magnetic flux density | 8 mT | - | - | - | - |
The experimental group 1 showed multiple features of disruption of normal Sertoli cell architecture: condensation of cell nucleus and presence of mitochondria without cristae, inclusion bodies, lysosomes and many vacuoles in the cytoplasm. Junctions between the Sertoli cells were destructed. In experimental group 2, there were signs of recovery in the Sertoli cells and spermatogonial cells following withdrawal from exposure. The empty spaces between the cells disappeared. The observations made for control group 2 were not different from control group 1.
The results suggest that long-term electromagnetic field exposure can cause profound changes in the Sertoli cells that may lead to sub-fertility.
This website uses cookies to provide you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies.
