Influence of a 50 hz extra low frequency electromagnetic field on spermatozoa motility and fertilization rates in rabbits

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2009 Aug;44(10):1041-7. doi: 10.1080/10934520902997029.

Abstract

Effects of a 50 Hz extra-low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) on in vitro rabbit spermatozoa motility were analyzed, as well as the effect on fertilization rates after insemination. Pooled semen samples and a control were exposed to 50 Hz ELF EMF. The difference of the samples of the test groups G1 and G2 with the control group CG (75.56%) for spermatozoa motility were found to be significant (P < 0.01). Differences were significant (P < 0.01) for curvilinear velocity (VCL) between the test group G3 (122.38 microm/s) and the control group CG (112.02 microm/s). Hormonally stimulated adult (9-12 months) females (n = 140) were inseminated with semen samples from G1, G2, G3 and CG (0.88 x 109 spermatozoa/0.5 mL average insemination portion) immediately after ELF EMF exposure and fertilization (kindling) rates were calculated. For the G2 it was 54.28% data indicate 50 Hz ELF EMF induced alterations of spermatozoa motility and kindling rate in rabbits, therefore influencing fertility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Electromagnetic Fields / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fertility / radiation effects*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Rabbits
  • Sperm Count
  • Sperm Motility / radiation effects*
  • Spermatozoa / radiation effects*