Comparison of polymerization and structural behavior of microtubules in rat brain and sperm affected by the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field

Dariush Gholami,Rouhollah Fathi,Abdolhossein Shahverdi,Mohsen Sharafi,Gholamhossein Riazi

doi:10.1186/s12860-019-0224-1

Abstract

BackgroundMicrotubule proteins are able to produce electromagnetic fields and have an important role in memory formation, and learning. Therefore, microtubules have the potential to be affected by exogenous electromagnetic fields. This study aimed to examine the comparison of microtubule polymerization and its structural behavior in brain and sperm affected by 50 Hz extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELEF).ResultsTwenties adult male rats were randomly and equally divided into control and experimental groups, to evaluate the effect of 50 Hz ELEF on the sperm and brain functions. Plus-maze, serum testosterone and corticosterone, and sperm evaluation were performed. Next, the semen and brain samples were obtained, and they were divided into four experimental groups for investigation of microtubule polymerization. There was no significant difference in testosterone and, corticosterone levels, anxiety behaviors, and sperm morphology between control and ELEF-exposure groups. The sperm viability, total and progressive motility were significantly higher in the ELEF-exposed group than that of the control group. The microtubule polymerization in sperm ELEF was significantly higher than in other groups. The secondary and tertiary structures of tubulins were significantly affected in the brain, and sperm ELEF groups.ConclusionIt seems that the polymerization of microtubules and conformational changes of tubulin dimers are improved by ELEF application.

Highlights

Microtubule proteins are able to produce electromagnetic fields and have an important role in memory formation, and learning
GTP hydrolysis occurs quicker when the GTP tubulin dimer is bound within the microtubule than when it is released in solution
We found that exposure to 50 Hz ELEF had no effect on the weight of rats that is consistent with findings reported by Amaral et al [28], and Bahaodini et al who stated that long-term exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted from mobile phones had no effect on the weight of rats [30]

Summary

Introduction

Microtubule proteins are able to produce electromagnetic fields and have an important role in memory formation, and learning. Much attention has been paid to the effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on biological functions of cells and molecules including bone healing [4], Microtubules are one of the major components of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells including sperm [10] and nerve cells [11]. They contribute to several processes in cells such as mitosis, secretion of hormones [12], Gholami et al BMC Molecular and Cell Biology (2019) 20:41 sperm motility [10], chromosomes separation during cell division, and cell movement [13]. This selfpolymerization and depolymerization of microtubules are called dynamic instability [21, 22]

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