BACKGRAUND

The accelerated rhythm of life and adverse environmental conditions in recent decades have become the main causes of reproductive health disorders. The development of information technologies entailed the spread of electromagnetic radiation of various ranges in the environment. Therefore, the problem of the long-term effects of microwave radiation on human reproductive health remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

Identification of the effects of exposure to high-frequency microwave radiation on male reproductive system processes under experimental conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

White male rats of 258±10 g were subjected to microwave radiation at a frequency of 42 GHz (λ=7.1 mm) for 14 and 30 days for 30 minutes daily (experimental groups of animals O-1 and O-2). The morphofunctional state of the testes and the state of testicular spermatogenesis were evaluated by analyzing histological sections of testicular tissue and counting spermatogenic cells in tissue homogenate.

RESULTS

For the study, 45 animals were involved by 15 pieces in each of the three groups (control and two experimental groups). In group O-1, the total number of spermatogenic cells increased by 22% compared to control (p<0.001). Spermatogenic epithelium height was considerably increased and exceeded the control indexes. Testosterone level in blood plasma was found to be increased, which was correlated with an increase in the average Leydig cells and the area of their nuclei. In group O-2, the number of spermatogenic cells was markedly reduced; the most vulnerable link was spermatogonia. A random arrangement of spermatogenic epithelial cells was noted on the background of uneven height of spermatogenic epithelium. Testosterone and LH levels did not significantly differ from control values.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term exposure to microwave radiation causes an improvement in both excretory and incretory functions of male gonads. Prolonged exposure to radiation depletes the resources of proliferation of germ cells already in the initial stages of spermatogenesis.