Effects of 2·45 GHz Microwave Radiation and Heat on Mouse Spermatogenic Epithelium

Abstract

The rear halves of the bodies of anaesthetized male C3H mice were exposed for 30 min to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation and the effects on the testes were compared to those produced by direct heating. Effects were observed which are consistent with the hypothesis that heat damage is the primary effect of microwave exposure. Damage measured six days after exposure ranged in severity from depletion of the spermatocytes to extensive necrosis of the germinal epithelium. Temperature-sensitive probes implanted in the testes revealed a threshold effect for depletion of the spermatocytes of approximately 39 degrees C and an LD50 6 (50 per cent cell death after 6 days) of about 41 degrees C after microwave exposure or direct heating. The corresponding effective threshold effect and LD50 6 expressed in terms of absorbed microwave power were 20 W kg-1 and 30 W kg-1. However, it is probable that a conscious animal is better able to regulate testicular temperature and hence adjust to higher dose-rates.

Radio frequency electromagnetic fields: Cancer, mutagenesis, and genotoxicity

“…Each mouse was then mated with pairs of sexually mature virgin females each week for 8-10 weeks. A diminution in total implants for the exposed group was ascribed to decreased male fertility, a result previously found by Saunders and Kowalczuk [1981]. However, the authors found no significant differences in percentages of live implants to the total implants for the exposed and sham groups, thereby indicating no evidence of an RFEMF induced dominant lethal mutagenic effect.…”

“…Leukemia in the AKR/J mice did not occur earlier in exposed mice nor was their percentage higher than in sham exposed mice. Saunders et al [1983], noting that Saunders and Kowalczuk [1981] had shown that exposure of the rear halves of mature male mice to 2.45 GHz RFEMF at half body SARs of 43 W/kg severely reduced sperm production, investigated whether such exposure was also mutagenic for male germ cells. The rear halves of four groups of anesthetized sexually mature mice were exposed for 30 min at 43 W/kg.…”

Cell phones and male infertility: a review of recent innovations in technology and consequences

“…Other reports showed a deCell phones and male infertility crease in the diameter of seminiferous tubes and epithelial thickness (24,26,28,29). Saunders and Kowalczuk showed significant degeneration of the mice seminiferous epithelium due to exposure to microwave radiation of 50 mW/cm2 at a frequency of 2.45 GHz for 30-40 minutes (30). Killari et al were able to show EMW radiation related ultrastructural changes in seminiferous tubules, Leydig cells and spermatids in rats' testis (31).…”

“…Some authors have demonstrated that acute EMW exposure can have direct effect on seminiferous tubular epithelium through increase in testicular temperature (30,37,38). They exposed mice to 2.45 GHz (30 W/kg), 1.7 GHz (50 mW/cm2), and 2.45 GHz (44 W/kg) respectively and showed altered Cell phones and male infertility histology of seminiferous tubular epithelium and deranged semen parameters such as sperm count, sperm morphology.…”

2.45 GHz (CW) MICROWAVE IRRADIATION ALTERS CIRCADIAN ORGANIZATION, SPATIAL MEMORY, DNA STRUCTURE IN THE BRAIN CELLS AND BLOOD CELL COUNTS OF MALE MICE, MUS MUSCULUS

“…A number of studies in mammals also report the effects of 2.45 GHz EMF on hematopoiesis in pregnant mice [20], spermatogenesis in mouse [21], brain development in mice [22], radial maze in rats [23], micronucleated erythrocytes in rats [24], and cholinergic activity in the rat [11]. Since susceptibility or responsiveness of various tissues and organ systems towards any stimulation or stressor including EMF exposure of different intensity and duration differs, conflicting and sometimes contradictory results are not surprising [25].…”