Abstract:
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of electromagnetic fields ELF-EMFs generated by 170 kV
(50 Hz) high power lines on the epididymal sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters testosterone levels
and histopathology of testis. The experimental group consisted of 28 adult male rats placed in an cottage 7.5 m
far from transfer lines transferring 170 kV (50 Hz) energy. They were randomly divided into four groups of
7 rats each. Group 1, 2 and 3 were exposed continuously (24 hr) to ELF-EMF (48.21 ± 1.58 mG) for 1, 2 and
3 months, respectively. The rats of group three served as the control and were placed in laboratory conditions
without a magnetic field. Insignificant (p > 0.05) decreases were determined among the groups in terms of
reproductive organ weights, testes dimensions and epididymal sperm concentration and sperm motility,
and an insignificant increment was observed in abnormal sperm rates in relation to the varying periods of
exposure to the ELF-EMF. Although marked reductions (p < 0.001) were observed among the groups in
relation to plasma and testis catalase activity, depending on exposure time, no significant differences were
found in terms of glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. In the light of Johnsen s testicular biopsy score
the mean scores of groups 1, 2, 3 and control were determined as 9.24 ± 0.08, 8.02 ± 0.12, 6.98 ± 0.11 and
9.88 ± 0.07, respectively. Histopathology examinations of testis revealed a deceleration of spermatogenesis
and degeneration of germ cell order in relation to exposure time.
