Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Evidence for mobile phone radiation exposure effects on reproductive pattern of male rats: role of ROS. med./bio.

By: Kesari KK, Behari J

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2012; 31 (3): 213-222

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine whether a GSM signal effects the reproductive pattern by targeting the biochemistry of sperm.

Background/further details

Two experiments were performed. For the first experiment, male rats were divided into a sham exposure or an exposure group (n=6 per group). Blood was collected immediately after exposure for a testosterone assay. Immediately after the last exposure, the rats were sacrificed and the sperms collected. The caspase-3 activity was measured and sperm samples were morphological examined.
For the second experiment, 18 rats were divided into two groups: sham exposed group (male=3, female =6) and exposed group (male=3, female=6). After the exposure, rats of each group were mated. The number and the weight of the pups were regarded.

Endpoint

effects on the reproductive system: fertility

Exposure

- mobile communications
- mobile phone
- GSM

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day for 45 days	power: 2 mW maximum SAR: 0.9 W/kg maximum (manufacturer's data)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	900 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 2 h/day for 45 days

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Pulse width	0.577 ms
Repetition frequency	216.7 Hz
Additional info	GSM mode

Exposure setup

Exposure source	cellular phone
Chamber	rats placed individually in 18-22 cm long, 5.7 cm high and 4-7 cm wide Plexiglas cages, fixed with anechoic material and ventilated with 1 cm diameter holes; the cages were pasted with anechoic material on two sides of each box (top was not covered)
Setup	mobile phone positioned on the top of the cage; mobility of the rats in the cage was limited to 1-2 cm; cell phones in silent mode without vibration
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power	2 mW	maximum	measured	-	-
SAR	0.9 W/kg	maximum	-	-	manufacturer's data

Reference articles

Kesari KK et al. (2011): 900-MHz microwave radiation promotes oxidation in rat brain.
Kesari KK et al. (2011): Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic wave exposure from cellular phones on the reproductive pattern in male wistar rats.
Kesari KK et al. (2010): Mobile phone usage and male infertility in Wistar rats.
Narayanan SN et al. (2009): Spatial memory performance of Wistar rats exposed to mobile phone.

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

molecular biosynthesis: caspase-3 enzyme activity (colorimetric assay)
effects on embryo/fetus: number and weight of pups
effects on the reproductive system: morphology of sperm (transmission electron microscope)
endocrine changes: testosterone level (commercial kit)

Investigated material:

isolated bio./chem. substance
intact cell/cell culture
blood samples, sperms
investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

reproductive system

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Spermatozoa from exposed rats showed significant morphological changes in midpiece region, microtubules, outer dense fibers of mitochondria and membranes and distortions in sperm head, compared to sham exposed rats. A statistically significant increase in activation of caspase-3 was observed in the sperm of exposed animals compared to sham exposed animals. Serum testosterone level was significantly decreased in exposed animals in comparison to sham exposed ones.
Exposed parents produced litters with a significantly decreased number of pups and the average body weight of the pups was significantly lower in comparison to those of sham exposed parents.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
blind study

Study funded by

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India

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