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Effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields on mouse spermatogenesis monitored by flow cytometric analysis
Author(s) -
De Vita Raffaele,
Cavallo Delia,
Raganella Luigi,
Eleuteri Patrizia,
Grollino Maria G.,
Calugi Alberto
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.2250160510
Subject(s) - spermatogenesis , flow cytometry , andrology , population , biology , chemistry , immunology , medicine , environmental health
Flow cytometry (FCM) was performed to monitor the cellular effects of extremely‐low‐frequency magnetic field on mouse spermatogenesis. Groups of five male hybrid F1 mice aged 8–10 weeks were exposed to 50 Hz magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field was 1.7 mT. Exposure times of 2 and 4 h were chosen. FCM measurements were performed 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days after treatment. For each experimental point, a sham‐treated group was used as a control. The possible effects were studied by analyzing the DNA content distribution of the different cell types involved in spermatogenesis and using the elongated spermatids as the reference population. The relative frequencies of the various testicular cell types were calculated using specific software. In groups exposed for 2 h, no effects were observed. In groups exposed for 4 h, a statistically significant ( P < 0.001) decrease in elongated spermatids was observed at 28 days after treatment. This change suggests a possible cytotoxic and/or cytostatic effect on differentiating spermatogonia. However, further studies are being carried out to investigate the effects of longer exposure times. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.