Effects of intermediate frequency magnetic fields on male fertility indicators in mice

Abstract

Human exposure to intermediate frequency (IF) fields is increasing due to new applications such as electronic article surveillance systems, wireless power transfer and induction heating cookers. However, limited data is available on effects of IF magnetic fields (MF) on male fertility function. This study was conducted to assess possible effects on fertility indicators from exposure to IF MF. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed continuously for 5 weeks to 7.5 kHz MF at 12 and 120 μT. Sperm cells from cauda epididymis were analysed for motility, total sperm counts, and head abnormalities. Motile sperm cells were classified as progressive or non-progressive. Testicular spermatid heads were counted as well. The body weight development and reproductive tissue weights were not affected. No exposure-related differences were observed in sperm counts or sperm head abnormalities. Proportion of non-motile cells was significantly decreased in the 120 µT group, and a corresponding increase was seen in the percentage of motile cells (significant in non-progressive motile cells). In conclusion, no adverse effects on fertility indicators were observed. Increased sperm motility is an interesting finding that needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Carcinogenicity of intermediate frequency magnetic field in Tg.rasH2 mice

“…As described in the Materials and Methods section, the electric fields in various organs in our rasH2 mouse model, induced by the 0.20 mT MF at 20 kHz, were roughly four times more intense than the electric fields reported by Kumari et al [], who exposed C57BL/6J mice to a 0.12 mT MF at 7.5 kHz. The maximum electric field induced in the present study (1.0 V/m in the skin) was approximately one‐third of the “basic restriction” for the general public (2.7 V/m at 20 kHz) of the ICNIRP guidelines [ICNIRP, ].…”

“…Recently, Kumari et al [] calculated the induced electric field in the organs of a C57BL/6J male mouse that was exposed to a 7.5 kHz, 120 μT MF at the maximum, based on a model developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology [IT'IS Foundation, ]. Based on the data presented in their paper, we made a rough calculation of the induced electric fields in the organs and tissues of mice used in the present study.…”

Behavioral testing of mice exposed to intermediate frequency magnetic fields indicates mild memory impairment

“…A detailed description of the exposure system, including measurement of field homogeneity and numerical dosimetry (modelling of electric fields induced in animal tissues), is available elsewhere [ 9 ]. Briefly, the exposure system consisted of a wooden rack with five rectangular coils.…”

Quantitative and Quality Indicators of Sperm Production in Holstein Bulls Depending on Geomagnetic Activity

“…Многочисленные исследования подтверждают влияние абиотических факторов на сперматозоиды как при воздействии таких агентов на отцовский организм, так и в эякулятах или при нахождении в половых путях самки (21)(22)(23). Происходят изменения в общей морфологии, состоянии ядра и акросомы, в митохондриях, жгутике и других структурах сперматозоидов (24,25). Мы наблюдали увеличение (на 40 %, р < 0,05) доли сперматозоидов с анормальной морфологией в период геомагнитной активности.…”

“…Внешние факторы могут вызывать изменения в морфологии, ядре, акросоме, митохондриях и других структурах. Существенное влияние на подвижность и морфологию сперматозоидов оказывают электромагнитные поля (24,25).…”