Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of 60 Hz 14 microT magnetic field on the apoptosis of testicular germ cell in mice med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30 (1): 66-72

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effect of a 16-week continuous exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields of 14 µT or 200 µT on testicular germ cell apoptosis in mice.

Background/further details

60 male mice were divided into two exposure groups and one control group. A 14 µT exposure was chosen because the maximum measured electromagnetic field under Korean power lines is a little less than 14 µT. The exposure to 200 µT served as the positive control.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 60 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 24 h/day for 16 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 60 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 24 h/day for 16 weeks
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup three parallel rectangular coils 1000 mm wide and 550 mm deep, distance between coils = 300 mm; each coil consisting of 150 turns of 1.6 mm wire wound horizontally around an acrylic frame; polycarbonate cages placed on a wooden frame in the center of the lower and middle coil
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 14 µT - measured - -
magnetic flux density 200 µT - measured - -

Reference articles

  • Lee JS et al. (2004): Effects of 60 Hz electromagnetic field exposure on testicular germ cell apoptosis in mice

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Testicular germ cell apoptosis was significantly increased in spermatogonia of exposed mice than in sham exposed controls. In an electron microscopic study, degenerating spermatogonia showed condensation of nuclear chromatin similar to apoptosis. There were no significant effects of magnetic fields on body weight and testosterone levels in mice; thus, testicular germ cell apoptosis may not be hormonally mediated. In the 14 µT exposed mice, testes weight significantly increased compared to the control group.
The results indicate that apoptosis may be induced in spermatogenic cells in mice by continuous exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields of 14 µT.

Study character:

Study funded by

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