Effect of electromagnetic field on the sperm characteristics and histopathological status of testis in rats

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of electromagnetic fields ELF-EMFs generated by 170 kV (50 Hz) high power lines on the epididymal sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters testosterone levels and histopathology of testis. The experimental group consisted of 28 adult male rats placed in an cottage 7.5 m far from transfer lines transferring 170 kV (50 Hz) energy. They were randomly divided into four groups of 7 rats' each. Group 1, 2 and 3 were exposed continuously (24 hr) to ELF-EMF (48.21 ± 1.58 mG) for 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively. The rats of group three served as the control and were placed in laboratory conditions without a magnetic field. Insignificant (p > 0.05) decreases were determined among the groups in terms of reproductive organ weights, testes dimensions and epididymal sperm concentration and sperm motility, and an insignificant increment was observed in abnormal sperm rates in relation to the varying periods of exposure to the ELF-EMF. Although marked reductions (p < 0.001) were observed among the groups in relation to plasma and testis catalase activity, depending on exposure time, no significant differences were found in terms of glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. In the light of Johnsen's testicular biopsy score the mean scores of groups 1, 2, 3 and control were determined as 9.24 ± 0.08, 8.02 ± 0.12, 6.98 ± 0.11 and 9.88 ± 0.07, respectively. Histopathology examinations of testis revealed a deceleration of spermatogenesis and degeneration of germ cell order in relation to exposure time.