Introduction: Perinatal periods are critical phases in the development of testis, and it is sentient to the surrounding environmental pollutants. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure as a consequence of excessive use of cell phones might be one of such pollutants.
Aim of the Work: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of pre-and postnatal exposure to cell phone radiations on the development of rats' testes.
Material and Methods: Sixteen healthy pregnant female rats were used in the current work. The
dams were exposed to EMR of cell phone 2 hours /day from the 6th day of pregnancy, throughout lactation until weaning. We also used corresponding control dams kept away from any radiation. The male pups of both groups were subdivided into three groups (n = 10); according to their age at the time of scarification; group A; scarified at first postnatal day (PND 1), B (PND 21), and C (PND 70). Testes of each group were excised and processed for light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) studies. Assessment of oxidative parameters, semen analysis and morphometric analysis were conducted on each group.
Results: Various degenerative changes in the structure of rat testis were noticed in EMR-exposed animals which were assured by the significant changes in morphometric parameters. Besides, the oxidative stress status because of EMR-exposure was evident. Sperm parameters of rats at PND 70 were markedly decreased in the exposed animals compared with controls regarding sperm count and motility with an increase in abnormal forms.
Conclusion: Serious effects might result from excessive EMR exposure on developing testis.