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Evaluation of testicular degeneration induced by low‐frequency electromagnetic fields
Author(s) -
Tenorio Bruno Mendes,
Jimenez George Chaves,
Morais Rosaogueira,
Peixoto Christina Alves,
Albuquerque Nogueira Romildo,
Silva Valdemiro Amaro
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.784
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1099-1263
pISSN - 0260-437X
DOI - 10.1002/jat.1680
Subject(s) - spermatogenesis , degeneration (medical) , infertility , population , endocrinology , mitochondrion , testosterone (patch) , medicine , biology , andrology , physiology , pathology , pregnancy , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , environmental health
The population exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing in recent decades. The generation, distribution and use of electric energy can generate low‐frequency electromagnetic fields. The present study investigates the effects of EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT) on spermatogenesis of rats during different periods of maturation. Wistar rats were exposed to EMF from day 13 of gestation to postnatal day 21 or 90 in three daily applications of 30 min. Plasma testosterone concentration was not changed by EMF exposure; however, histopathological and histomorphometrical analyses of the testes showed testicular degeneration in a subset of animals exposed to EMF. The magnitude of the degenerative process varied between those individuals affected, indicating different individual sensitivity to EMF. The main alterations observed through transmission electron microscopy were highly electron‐dense mitochondria with loss of their organization and cristae. Exposure to 60 Hz and 1 mT EMF can disturb spermatogenesis and may produce subfertility or infertility. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.