Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields on spermatogenesis in adult rats med./bio.

By: Duan W, Liu C, Wu H, Chen C, Zhang T, Gao P, Luo X, Yu Z, Zhou Z
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2014; 35 (1): 58-69
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of an exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields on the reproductive system of male rats.

Background/further details

4 groups of rats were examined (n=10 per group): 1.) 4 weeks sham exposure, 2.) 4 weeks magnetic field-exposure, 3.) 8 weeks sham exposure and 4.) 8 weeks magnetic field-exposure.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 4 h/day, 7 days/week for 4 or 8 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration 4 h/day, 7 days/week for 4 or 8 weeks
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber rats were placed in acryl cages in the center of the exposure system (mean uniformity of magnetic field ± 2.0 %)
Setup solenoid was constructed by winding copper wire (diameter 1 mm) with an internal diameter of 35 cm and length of 90 cm around a glass fiber cylinder; solenoid was powered by a waveform generator
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 500 µT - measured - -

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)

No significant differences were found between the 4 weeks or 8 weeks exposure group and the corresponding sham exposure groups.
The results indicate that exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields has no adverse effects on the reproductive system of male rats.

Study character:

Study funded by

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