Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Low frequency electromagnetic fields long-term exposure effects on testicular histology, sperm quality and testosterone levels of male rats med./bio.

By: Bahaodini A, Owjfard M, Tamadon A, Jafari SM
Published in: Asian Pac J Reprod 2015; 4 (3): 195-200
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field on the reproductive system of male rats.

Background/further details

Fourteen rats were randomly and equally divided into an exposure and a sham exposure group.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuously for 85 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuously for 85 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup solenoid with 600 turns of 1 mm copper wire was mounted on a wooden framework; cages with animals were placed symmetrically on both sides of the coils; rats were maintained under stable conditions at room temperature (22–25 °C, 12 h light/dark)
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 1 mT - calibration - -

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 diameter and the cross sectional area the seminiferous tubules were significantly decreased in exposed rats compared to sham exposed ones, but the number of the seminiferous tubules was significantly increased. Additionally, in exposed rats, the sperm motility and the testosterone level were significantly decreased in comparison to the sham exposed rats.
The authors conclude that exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field could have an adverse effect on the fertility of male rats.

Study character:

Study funded by

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