We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Evaluation of testicular degeneration induced by low-frequency electromagnetic fields.
- Authors
Tenorio, Bruno Mendes; Jimenez, George Chaves; Morais, Rosana Nogueira; Peixoto, Christina Alves; Albuquerque Nogueira, Romildo; Silva, Valdemiro Amaro
- Abstract
ABSTRACT The population exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing in recent decades. The generation, distribution and use of electric energy can generate low-frequency electromagnetic fields. The present study investigates the effects of EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT) on spermatogenesis of rats during different periods of maturation. Wistar rats were exposed to EMF from day 13 of gestation to postnatal day 21 or 90 in three daily applications of 30 min. Plasma testosterone concentration was not changed by EMF exposure; however, histopathological and histomorphometrical analyses of the testes showed testicular degeneration in a subset of animals exposed to EMF. The magnitude of the degenerative process varied between those individuals affected, indicating different individual sensitivity to EMF. The main alterations observed through transmission electron microscopy were highly electron-dense mitochondria with loss of their organization and cristae. Exposure to 60 Hz and 1 mT EMF can disturb spermatogenesis and may produce subfertility or infertility. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Subjects
RATTUS norvegicus; PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of electromagnetism; SPERMATOGENESIS in animals; IONIZING radiation; TESTIS; TESTOSTERONE; MITOCHONDRIA; TRANSMISSION electron microscopy; PHYSIOLOGY
- Publication
Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2012, Vol 32, Issue 3, p210
- ISSN
0260-437X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/jat.1680