Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effects of electromagnetic field on the microstructure of seminal vesicles in rat: a light and transmission electron microscope study med./bio.

By: Khaki AA, Zarrintan S, Khaki A, Zahedi A
Published in: Pak J Biol Sci 2008; 11 (5): 692-701
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate possible effects of exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on the cytoarchitecture and microstructure of the seminal vesicles.

Background/further details

30 male rats were assigned to an exposure group and a control group.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 8 h/day for 2 months

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 8 h/day for 2 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup two coils with a distance of 50 cm; animals placed between the coils
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 8 mT - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the exposure group epithelial and basal cells showed significant destructions presented by heterochromatin and dense nuclei. In the stromal connective tissue cell debris and abnormal areas were recognizable. Obvious vacuolization was found within the epithelial cell cytoplasm and also between the cell organelles. The nuclei of the endothelial cells of the blood vessels were more rigid and endothelial cell cytoplasm contained a lot of vacuoles and pinocytotic vesicles.
The results suggest that electromagnetic field exposure may cause profound changes in the seminal vesicle tissues. Therefore exposure to electromagnetic fields may result in pathological changes that could lead to infertility.

Study character:

Study funded by

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