Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on testes in guinea pig med./bio.

Published in: Pak J Biol Sci 2007; 10 (24): 4519-4522

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To measure the changes in testosterone hormone level and changes in testes tissue in response to electromagnetic exposure in guinea pigs.

Background/further details

36 male guinea pigs were divided into four groups that were exposed to electromagnetic fields (5 Hz and 50 Hz) with the magnitude of 0.013 or 0.207 µT at various durations and two sham exposure groups.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 5 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day for 5 days or 4 h/day for 5 days
Exposure 2: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day for 5 days or 4 h/day for 5 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 5 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 2 h/day for 5 days or 4 h/day for 5 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.013 µT - - - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 2 h/day for 5 days or 4 h/day for 5 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.207 µT - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Testosterone levels of exposed and sham-exposed groups differed significantly, with decreased levels in the exposure groups. Exposure-related destructive changes were found in testes tissue (atrophic seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue, decreased number of leydig cells).
The decrease of testosterone may have resulted from the inter-tissual space and leydig cells damages.

Study character:

Study funded by

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