Effect of electromagnetic radiation from a mobile phone (1745 MHz) on the condition of the reproductive system of male rats during their postnatal development

Abstract

A comprehensive assessment of the morphofunctional changes in the reproductive system of male rats of several age groups was carried out, starting from the prepubertal period (50–52 days) and until they reach puberty (4,5 months) under the conditions of exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic radiation from a mobile phone (EMR MP, 1745 MHz, power density of 0.2–20 µW/cm2). It was established that the nature of the revealed morphofunctional changes in the reproductive system of male rats exposed to low-intensity EMR from MT largely depends on the exposure duration and the age of animals. The impact of EMR from MT (for 7 days) on the body of male rats during puberty leads to significant changes in the developing reproductive system. Namely, against the background of an increase in the mass of epididymis and seminal vesicles, the development of degenerative changes in the testes was revealed, manifested by the inhibition of the proliferative activity and the activation of differentiation of spermatogenic epithelial cells – spermatids, which is accompanied by a significant increase in the number of epididymal spermatozoa (early puberty), while their viability decreases and serum testosterone concentrations increase. On the contrary, the prolonged (for 60 and 90 days) exposure of EMR from MT to the organism of male rats from the early puberty period and until they reach puberty is characterized by a weakly expressed spermatogenic epithelium reaction, but also the most characteristic decrease in the number and viability of spermatozoa, as well as by the increase in concentration of testosterone in blood serum. The complex of identified disorders in the morphofunctional state of the reproductive system of male rats indicates the inhibition of its function under the influence of low-intensity EMR from MT, which may be a factor affecting the decline in male fertility.