Effects of the long term exposure to mobile phone on testicular histology and serum level of testosterone in mice

Abstract

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone electro-magnetic field (EMF) on testosterone level and testicular tissue in rats. Material and Methods: A total of 30 male mice were randomly divided into two equal groups ( n=15). Experimental group was exposed to EMF, by using mobile phone continuously for 90 days. Control group was kept under the same condition as the experimental group without EMF exposure. Throughout the study cell phones were placed on the wall of the cages. The cell phones were in standby mode for whole day and in talking mode for 150 min per day. At the end of the exposure period, total testosterone serum level was measured and histological examination of testicular sections were performed. Using GraphPad Prism’ software, data were analyzed by t-test. P<0.0001 was considered significant. Result: Mean plasma testosterone level in the experimental group was decreased compared to that in the control group (P<0.0001). Histological examination of testicular tissue of the mice exposed to electromagnetic field revealed seminiferous tubules cellular necrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells into the paranchymal tissue, and decreased leydig cell count at interstitial space. In some necrotized tubules, multinucleated cells (syncytium formation) were observed. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic waves could result in histopathological changes in the male mice testis. Further studies can cast light on the molecular mechanism underlying cellular and tissue damage induced by exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Keywords

• mobile phone
• mice
• testis
• testosterone