Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Microwave exposure affecting reproductive system in male rats med./bio.

By: Kesari KK, Behari J

Published in: Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2010; 162 (2): 416-428

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of 50 GHz microwave electromagnetic fields on the reproductive system of male rats.

Background/further details

12 rats were divided into one exposure group (6 animals) and one sham exposure group.
The investigated parameters "histone kinase" and "cell cycle" are correlated to each other.

Endpoint

effects on the reproductive system: effects on sperm cells

Exposure

- 50 GHz
- microwaves
- millimeter waves
- CW continuous wave

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 GHz Modulation type: CW Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day on 45 days	power density: 0.86 µW/cm² SAR: 0.8 mW/kg

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 GHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 2 h/day on 45 days

Modulation

Modulation type	CW

Exposure setup

Exposure source	horn antenna
Setup	two rats in a 31 cm x 9.2 cm x 8.5 cm Plexiglas cage, cage placed in an exposure chamber lined with radar absorbing material, horn antenna place beside the long side of the cage
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power density	0.86 µW/cm²	-	measured	-	-
SAR	0.8 mW/kg	-	calculated	whole body	-

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

cell function: antioxidant enzyme activity (see "effects on reproductive ability)
cell viability/cell division/proliferation: spermatogenesis cycle, sperm cell cycle (percentages of cells in each cell division phase (apoptosis phase included); propidium iodide stain; flow cytometry)
effects on the reproductive system: effects on sperm cells: antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase; spectrophotometry), histone kinase enzyme activity (via phosphorus-32 ATP; scintillation counting), and cell cycle changes (see "cell viability/cell division")

Investigated system:

sperm cell homogenates and supernatants

Investigated organ system:

reproductive system

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed that prolonged exposure to the 50 GHz electromagnetic field may decrease the enzyme activities of histone kinase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. On the other hand, the enzyme activity of catalase and the amount of cells in apoptosis phase were increased in the exposed group. Moreover, it was confirmed that a decrease in cells in G2 phase-M phase (mitosis phase) is directly related to histone kinase enzyme activity. The authors suggest that a reduction or an increase in enzyme activities of antioxidants and histone kinase, and the levels in cell cycle observed under these experimental conditions may be related to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species under microwave exposure.
The authors conclude that these irradiations may have a significant effect on the reproductive system of male rats, which may be an indication of male infertility.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
blind study

Study funded by

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, India
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India

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