Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of 50 Hz magnetic field on sex hormones and other fertility parameters of adult male rats med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2006; 27 (2): 127-131

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of an extremely low frequency magnetic field on the sex hormones and other fertility parameters of adult male rats.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 18 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 18 weeks
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • coil(s)
  • see setup details
Chamber Two identical exposure systems were built, one for exposure and one for the control animals. The exposure system and the control system were separated by 3.5 m to reduce any stray fields. Rats were randomly split in two cages (48 x 26 x 15 cm; length x breadth x height) made of polypropylene. Control rats were placed in two cages located in the center of the control system (without magnetic field).
Setup The magnetic field was arranged and produced by sets of rectangular coils similar to that reported by Juutilainen et al. [1987] publication id 3704. Details of the experimental set up have been reported by Al-Akhras et al. [2001] publication id 6741 and Elbetieha et al. [2002] publication id 8513.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 25 µT effective value measured - ± 1 µT

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

There were no significant effects on the absolute body weight and the weight of the testes of the exposed animals. However, the weights of seminal vesicles and preputial glands were significantly reduced in the exposed rats.
A significant reduction in sperm count was revealed in the exposed group.
Furthermore, there were no significant effects on the serum levels of male follicle stimulating hormone during the 18 weeks of exposure period. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the serum levels of male luteinizing hormone after 18 weeks of exposure, while testosterone levels were significantly decreased only after 6 and 12 weeks of the exposure period.
These results suggest that long term exposure to extremely low frequency could have adverse effects on mammalian fertility and reproduction.

Study character:

Study funded by

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