Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effect of prenatal exposure to 900-megahertz electromagnetic field on the 21-old-day rat testicle med./bio.

Published in: Reprod Toxicol 2013; 42: 203-209

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effect of a prenatal exposure to a radiofrequency electromagnetic field on the testis of 21 day-old rats.

Background/further details

Six pregnant rats were divided into a cage control and an exposure group (n=3 per group). The groups were kept in different cages in the same room during the experiment except for exposure, which was performed in another room from the 13th to the 21st day of pregnancy. 10 male pups of each group were killed and examined at the 21st day after birth.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: 1 h/day from 13th to 21st day of pregnancy

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration 1 h/day from 13th to 21st day of pregnancy
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber rats were placed in a jar (30 cm * 42 cm * 52 cm) made of plexiglas for exposure, antenna was installed in the central region, approximately 11 cm inside the open surface of the jar
Additional info half-wave dipole antenna made from a 1 mm x 15 cm copper rod with the help of a coaxial cable
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 10 V/m mean measured - -
power density 0.265 W/m² - - - -
power 300 mW - estimated - output power

Reference articles

  • Sonmez OF et al. (2010): Purkinje cell number decreases in the adult female rat cerebellum following exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field
  • Bas O et al. (2009): Chronic prenatal exposure to the 900 megahertz electromagnetic field induces pyramidal cell loss in the hippocampus of newborn rats
  • Bas O et al. (2009): 900 MHz electromagnetic field exposure affects qualitative and quantitative features of hippocampal pyramidal cells in the adult female rat
  • Odaci E et al. (2008): Effects of prenatal exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field on the dentate gyrus of rats: a stereological and histopathological study

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The prenatally exposed rats exhibited irregularities in the histopathological examination of the testis in comparison to those of the cage control: The diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of its epithelium were significantly decreased. Additionally, basal lamina seperation and immature germ cells were found in the lumen.
The apoptosis rate, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were significantly increased in the exposure group compared to the cage control. No differences occurred regarding the weight of the testis.
The authors conclude that prenatal exposure to a radiofrequency electromagnetic field could have an adverse effect on the testis of 21 day-old rats.

Study character:

Study funded by

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