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Evaluation of spermatogenesis and fertility in F1 male rats after in utero and neonatal exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields.

Asian journal of andrology · 2005 · No effect · Moderate evidence

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No effectModerate evidencePaper 5182

Across exposure groups (5, 83.3, or 500 microT) versus sham control, no exposure-related changes were observed in developmental markers, testicular measures, sperm parameters, or reproductive capacity in F1 male offspring.

Study snapshot

PublicationAsian journal of andrology · 2005
Study typeanimal
Reported directionNo effect
Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

AIM: To determine whether in utero and neonatal exposure to a 60 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) results in spermatotoxicity and reproductive dysfunction in the F1 offspring of rats. METHODS: Age-matched, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed continuously (21 h/day) to a 60 Hz EMF at field strengths of 0 (sham control), 5, 83.3 or 500 microT from day 6 of gestation through to day 21 of lactation. The experimentally generated magnetic field was monitored continuously (uninterrupted monitoring over the period of the study) throughout the study. RESULTS: No exposure-related changes were found in exposed or sham-exposed animals with respect to the anogenital distance, preputial separation, testis weight, testicular histology, sperm count, daily sperm production, sperm motility, sperm morphology and reproductive capacity of F1 offspring. CONCLUSION: Exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to a 60 Hz EMF at field strengths of up to 500 microT from day 6 of gestation to day 21 of lactation did not produce any detectable alterations in offspring spermatogenesis and fertility.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal
Effect directionno_effect
PopulationPregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and F1 male offspring
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureELF · 6e-05 MHz · Continuous (21 h/day) from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21
Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Across exposure groups (5, 83.3, or 500 microT) versus sham control, no exposure-related changes were observed in developmental markers, testicular measures, sperm parameters, or reproductive capacity in F1 male offspring.

Outcomes measured

  • Anogenital distance
  • Preputial separation
  • Testis weight
  • Testicular histology
  • Sperm count
  • Daily sperm production
  • Sperm motility
  • Sperm morphology
  • Reproductive capacity/fertility of F1 offspring

Limitations

  • Sample size not reported in abstract
  • Details of randomization/blinding not reported in abstract
  • Exposure described as magnetic field strength; other exposure metrics (e.g., electric field) not described in abstract
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 6e-05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "Continuous (21 h/day) from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21"
  },
  "population": "Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and F1 male offspring",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Anogenital distance",
    "Preputial separation",
    "Testis weight",
    "Testicular histology",
    "Sperm count",
    "Daily sperm production",
    "Sperm motility",
    "Sperm morphology",
    "Reproductive capacity/fertility of F1 offspring"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Across exposure groups (5, 83.3, or 500 microT) versus sham control, no exposure-related changes were observed in developmental markers, testicular measures, sperm parameters, or reproductive capacity in F1 male offspring.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Details of randomization/blinding not reported in abstract",
    "Exposure described as magnetic field strength; other exposure metrics (e.g., electric field) not described in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "extremely low frequency",
    "ELF EMF",
    "60 Hz",
    "magnetic field",
    "microtesla",
    "in utero exposure",
    "neonatal exposure",
    "Sprague-Dawley rat",
    "spermatogenesis",
    "fertility",
    "reproductive toxicity"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "elf-reproduction",
      "weight": 0.9,
      "reason": "Animal study assessing spermatogenesis and fertility outcomes after prenatal/neonatal 60 Hz ELF magnetic-field exposure."
    }
  ]
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00007.x
PubMed: 15897976

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