Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of a 50 Hz extra low frequency electromagnetic field on spermatozoa motility and fertilization rates in rabbits med./bio.

Published in: J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng 2009; 44 (10): 1041-1047

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the in vitro and in vivo effects of a 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on the sperm motility of rabbit spermatozoa and subsequent fertilization rates after artificial insemination.

Background/further details

Two ejaculates per male rabbit (n=15) were collected on a single day, pooled together, diluted and divided into four exposure groups: 1) control group, 2) 54.5 mT exposure, 3) 40.29 mT exposure, 4) 21.33 mT exposure. Subsequently (following exposure), fresh spermatozoa were inseminated into a total of 140 receptive females.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 20 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 20 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup coil with an internal diameter of 55 cm; samples placed at the center of the coil
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 21.33 mT minimum measured - -
magnetic flux density 40.29 mT - measured - -
magnetic flux density 54.5 mT maximum measured - -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed that sperm motility was significantly different between the control group (75.6%) and the exposure groups (group 1 (93.8%) and group 2 (92.7%)). The fertility rate of rabbits inseminated with semen samples of exposure group 1 was 45.7%, of exposure group 2 it was 54.3% , of exposure group 3 it was 74.3% and of the control group it was 51.4%. The authors conclude that 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields induce alterations of sperm motility and fertility rate in rabbits.

Study character:

Study funded by

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