Histological and Cytological Examination of Rat Reproductive Tissue After Short-Time Intermittent Radiofrequency Exposure

Abstract

The unfavourable outcomes of mobile phone use on male fertility have still not been fully elaborated. To establish the potentially adverse effects of everyday exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RF) on humans, we performed a controlled animal study that aimed to investigate the infl uence of RF radiation on rat testis histology as well as the amount, mobility, and structure of epididymal free sperm cell population. Eighteen adult male rats were divided into two groups of nine. One group comprised sham-exposed control animals, while the other group endured total body irradiation for an hour daily during two weeks. A 915 MHz RF fi eld, power density of 2.4 W m -2 and strength of 30 V m -1 was generated in a Gigahertz Transversal Electromagnetic chamber. The specifi c absorption rate (SAR) was 0.6 W kg -1 . Body mass and temperature were measured before and after each exposure treatment. Immediately after the last exposure, the animals were sacrifi ced and testes removed and prepared for histological analysis. The free sperm cells were collected from the cauda epididymis and their quantity, quality, and morphology were microscopically determined using a haemocytometer. No statistically signifi cant alteration in any of the endpoints was observed. This study found no evidence of an unfavourable effect of the applied RF radiation on testicular function or structure. Based on these results, we can conclude that short-time intermittent exposure to RF radiation does not represent a signifi cant risk factor for rat reproductive functions.

Activation of liver X receptors ameliorates alterations in testicular function in rats exposed to electromagnetic radiation

“…Reliable with our findings, it was reported that cell phone radiation decreased sperm parameters in humans [3,5,33] and rats [20,21]. In contrast to our results, exposure to EMF did not induce any negative effects on sperm quantity, quality, and morphology [8,51,52]. LXRs improving action on sperm quality could be attributed to its antioxidant, antinflammatory properties besides its endocrinal action.…”

Comparison of polymerization and structural behavior of microtubules in rat brain and sperm affected by the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field

“…Therefore, it is possible that the 50 Hz ELEF can affect the sperm quality parameters depend on both waveform and amplitude of the applied magnetic field. In addition, some studies demonstrated that exposure to electromagnetic fields had no adverse effects on sperm quality, viability, and morphology [28, 32]. It is probable that ELEF increased sperm viability through reduction of ROS production in sperm cells as previously stated by Gholami et al [10, 33, 34].…”

The Contribution of In Vivo Mammalian Studies to the Knowledge of Adverse Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation on Human Health

“…On the other side, the evidence from studies on male reproductive system suggest that RFR exposure might negatively affect male fertility. The increased sperm cell death rate accompanied by reduced sperm quality and motility seems to be the more recurring effects, due to RFR exposure in SD rats [38,39,40]. Guo et al, based on their findings from the most recent study conducted in SD rats suggested that the RFR-induced impaired sperm quality in SD rats might be accounted for by the increased apoptosis of testicular cells and the disruption of the secreting function of Leydig cells.…”

“…An haemocytometer was used for microscopically determining the quality, quantity and structure of free sperm cells taken from the epididymis. This study revealed no statistically significant changes in any of the evaluated endpoints [39].…”