Effects of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation and heat on mouse spermatogenic epithelium.

Abstract

The rear halves of the bodies of anaesthetized male C3H mice were exposed for 30 min to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation and the effects on the testes were compared to those produced by direct heating. Effects were observed which are consistent with the hypothesis that heat damage is the primary effect of microwave exposure. Damage measured six days after exposure ranged in severity from depletion of the spermatocytes to extensive necrosis of the germinal epithelium. Temperature-sensitive probes implanted in the testes revealed a threshold effect for depletion of the spermatocytes of approximately 39 degrees C and an LD50 6 (50 per cent cell death after 6 days) of about 41 degrees C after microwave exposure or direct heating. The corresponding effective threshold effect and LD50 6 expressed in terms of absorbed microwave power were 20 W kg-1 and 30 W kg-1. However, it is probable that a conscious animal is better able to regulate testicular temperature and hence adjust to higher dose-rates.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Male C3H mice exposed for 30 min to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation showed testicular damage measured 6 days later, ranging from spermatocyte depletion to extensive necrosis of the germinal epithelium. Implanted probes indicated a threshold for spermatocyte depletion at ~39°C and an LD50 at ~41°C, similar for microwave exposure and direct heating, consistent with heat being the primary effect; corresponding absorbed microwave power thresholds were reported as 20 W/kg (threshold) and 30 W/kg (LD50).

Outcomes measured

• Testicular/germinal epithelium damage
• Depletion of spermatocytes
• Necrosis of germinal epithelium
• Testicular temperature thresholds
• LD50 (cell death at 6 days)

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in abstract
• Exposure conditions beyond frequency and duration (e.g., field strength, dosimetry details) not fully described in abstract
• Animals were anaesthetized; authors note conscious animals may regulate testicular temperature differently

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "microwave",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 2450,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "30 min"
    },
    "population": "Anaesthetized male C3H mice",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Testicular/germinal epithelium damage",
        "Depletion of spermatocytes",
        "Necrosis of germinal epithelium",
        "Testicular temperature thresholds",
        "LD50 (cell death at 6 days)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Male C3H mice exposed for 30 min to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation showed testicular damage measured 6 days later, ranging from spermatocyte depletion to extensive necrosis of the germinal epithelium. Implanted probes indicated a threshold for spermatocyte depletion at ~39°C and an LD50 at ~41°C, similar for microwave exposure and direct heating, consistent with heat being the primary effect; corresponding absorbed microwave power thresholds were reported as 20 W/kg (threshold) and 30 W/kg (LD50).",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in abstract",
        "Exposure conditions beyond frequency and duration (e.g., field strength, dosimetry details) not fully described in abstract",
        "Animals were anaesthetized; authors note conscious animals may regulate testicular temperature differently"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "2.45 GHz",
        "microwave radiation",
        "mouse",
        "testis",
        "spermatogenic epithelium",
        "heat",
        "thermal effects",
        "spermatocytes",
        "necrosis",
        "LD50"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.