title: Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields can impair spermatogenesis recovery after reversible testicular damage induced by heat.
abstract: Male infertility is often related to reproductive age couples experiencing fertility-related issues. Men may have fertility problems associated with reversible testicular damage. Considering that men have been increasingly exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields generated by the production, distribution and use of electricity, this study analyzed whether 60 Hz and 1 mT magnetic field exposure may impair spermatogenesis recovery after reversible testicular damage induced by heat shock using rats as an experimental model. Adult male rats were subjected to a single testicular heat shock (HS, 43 °C for 12 min) and then exposed to the magnetic field for 15, 30 and 60 d after HS. Magnetic field exposure during the spermatogenesis recovery induced changes in testis components volume, cell ultrastructure and histomorphometrical parameters. Control animals had a reestablished and active spermatogenesis at 60 d after heat shock, while animals exposed to magnetic field still showed extensive testicular degeneration. Magnetic field exposure did not change the plasma testosterone. In conclusion, extremely low-frequency magnetic field may be harmful to fertility recovery in males affected by reversible testicular damage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco , Recife, Pernambuco , Brazil .
authors.forename: Bruno Mendes
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Tenorio
authors.forename: Moisés Bonifacio Alves
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Ferreira Filho
authors.forename: George Chaves
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Jimenez
authors.forename: Rosana Nogueira
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: de Morais
authors.forename: Christina Alves
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Peixoto
authors.forename: Romildo de Albuquerque
authors.initials: Rde A
authors.lastname: Nogueira
authors.forename: Valdemiro Amaro
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: da Silva  Junior
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone