Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

An evaluation of the effects of long-term cell phone use on the testes via light and electron microscope analysis med./bio.

Published in: Urology 2012; 79 (2): 346-350

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether low-intensity electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phones cause histopathological or ultrastructural changes in the testes of rats.

Background/further details

30 rats were exposed and 15 rats were sham-exposed.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 1.8 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 3 months
  • SAR: 1.58 W/kg unspecified (unspecified)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 1.8 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 3 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber six standard rat cages, each equipped with the same kind of mobile phone and a maximum of 7 or 8 rats
Setup control group: two cages with together 15 rats, mobile phone switched off; experimental group: four cages with together 30 rats, mobile phones kept on continuously
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.58 W/kg unspecified unspecified unspecified -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data did not show any significant differences in the testis weights, seminiferous tubule diameters, and histopathological evaluations between the exposed and the sham exposed groups. The electron microscope analysis revealed that the membrana propria thickness and the collagen fiber contents were increased and the capillary veins were extended in the exposure group. Common vacuolization in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells, increase of electron-dense structures, and existence of large lipid droplets were noted.

Study character:

Study funded by

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