Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of a unique electromagnetic field system on the fertility of rats med./bio.

Published in: Arch Environ Occup Health 2009; 64 (2): 93-100

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the fertility and reproductive activity of male and female rats exposed to a unique electromagnetic field system.

Background/further details

The unique electromagnetic field system was developed as a potential therapeutic agent against foreign viruses or bacteria invading an organism. The equipment has been designed to treat mainly patients with HIV/AIDS, and the majority of these patients in Africa are in the age group of 18-35 years. Therefore, it was investigated whether there are any harmful effects on reproductive health.
Each 32 rats (16 male, 16 female) were exposed and sham exposed. Afterwards, the animals were divided into four groups (each 8 males and females): 1) exposed males + exposed females; 2) exposed females + sham exposed males; 3) exposed males + sham exposed females; 4) sham exposed males + sham exposed females.
In each group one female rat was housed with one male rat until parturition. In case rats did not get pregnant, this procedure was continued with different rats until the third pairing when either the male or female rat or both showed signs of infertility.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 100 MHz–3 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 8 h/ day on 10 days
  • Umax = 18 dB measured

General information

animals were divided into four groups: i) males and females exposed ii) only males exposed iii) only females exposed iv) males and females sham exposed

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 100 MHz–3 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 8 h/ day on 10 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • Hivex EMPS-5 System
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
cf. remarks - - - - Umax = 18 dB measured

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No differences in reproductive ability between exposed groups and sham exposed groups were found. Only one male of group 1 revealed inflammatory and degenerative changes of the testis (orchitis, atrophy, fibrosis).

Study character:

Study funded by

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