Effect of Amplitude-Modulated Radiofrequency Radiation on Reproduction Pattern in Rats

In the present study adult male rats were exposed to 200 MHz radiofrequenq (RF) fields, amplitude modulated at 16 Hz (power density = 1.47 mw/cm2, average specific absorption rate = 2.0-1.65 W/kg). After 35 days of exposure 6 days a week (2 h/day), the rats were mated with normal female rats. In comparison to controls, a significant decrease in fertility was observed in exposed rats. This is attributed to disrupted spermatogenesis due to exposure to RF fields. Ultrastructural changes in seminiferous tubules, Leydig cells, and spermatids were responsible for decreased fertility. Serum testosterone level of rats, measured by ELISA, showed no significant difference in the exposed rats. It is concluded that an amplitude-modulated RF field may have an adverse effect on male reproductive capability.

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