title: Evaluation of testicular degeneration induced by low-frequency electromagnetic fields.
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.
authors: Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
authors: Bruno Mendes
authors: BM
authors: Tenorio
authors: George Chaves
authors: GC
authors: Jimenez
authors: Rosana Nogueira
authors: RN
authors: de Morais
authors: Christina Alves
authors: CA
authors: Peixoto
authors: Romildo
authors: R
authors: de Albuquerque Nogueira
authors: Valdemiro Amaro
authors: VA
authors: da Silva
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone