Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of electromagnetic irradiation produced by 3G mobile phone on male rat reproductive system in a simulated scenario med./bio.

Published in: Indian J Exp Biol 2014; 52 (9): 890-897

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of a chronic whole body exposure of rats to a 1910.5 MHz electromagnetic field on the male reproductive system should be investigated.

Background/further details

12 male rats were equally divided into two groups: 1) sham exposure and 2) exposure. The experiment was repeated twice.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 1,910.5 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 2 hours/day on 6 days/week for 60 days
  • power: 1.41 mW maximum
  • power: 0.113 mW minimum
  • SAR: 0.28 W/kg maximum
  • SAR: 0.0226 W/kg minimum
  • SAR: 1.34 W/kg (statement from manufacturer)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,910.5 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 2 hours/day on 6 days/week for 60 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber one animal per Plexiglas cage (length: 55 cm, width: 17.5 cm, height: 15 cm), ventilated with holes of 2 mm diameter
Setup a mobile phone was placed on top of each exposure chamber; the phone was kept on "talk mode" at a fixed frequency and was connected to a stepper, which was programmed to keep the phone on an angular movement from 2° to 20° (moving at 2°/min) above the cage during exposure to simulate actual movement of a mobile phone during use
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 1.41 mW maximum measured - -
power 0.113 mW minimum measured - -
SAR 0.28 W/kg maximum calculated - -
SAR 0.0226 W/kg minimum calculated - -
SAR 1.34 W/kg - - - statement from manufacturer

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The sperm concentration, testicular weight and the diameter of seminiferous tubules were significantly reduced in exposed animals compared to sham exposure while the concentration of malondialdehyde was significantly increased, indicating increased oxidative stress. Moreover, the comet assay revealed significant differences in exposed samples compared to sham exposure, indicating an increase of DNA strand breaks.
The authors conclude that a chronic whole body exposure of rats to a 1910.5 MHz electromagnetic field can affect the male reproductive system.

Study character:

Study funded by

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