Effects of pulse-modulated microwave radiation and conventional heating on sperm production.

Abstract

The effects on testicular function of pulse-modulated microwave radiation (PM MWR, 1.3 GHz) and of conventional heating were studied in the rat. Anesthetized adult males (Sprague-Dawley, 400-500 g) were treated then killed at specific intervals with respect to the 13-day cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. PM MWR at 7.7 mW/g (90 min) yielded a modest decline in daily sperm production (DSP) that derived primarily from effects on primary spermatocytes. PM MWR at 4.2 mW/g was ineffective. The mean intratesticular temperature during the former reached 40 degrees C and did not exceed 38 degrees C during the latter. MWR considerably in excess of 7.7 mW/g yielded decrements in virtually all germ cell types, with primary spermatocytes again being most markedly affected. Using conventional heating, intratesticular temperatures in excess of 39 degrees C for 60 min were required for significant decrements in DSP. Levels of circulating follicle-stimulating hormone and of leutinizing hormone were resistant to either treatment. We conclude that the damage threshold and the differential sensitivity of immature germ cells to PM MWR can be adequately explained by the consequent macroscopic heating.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Pulse-modulated microwave radiation (1.3 GHz) at 7.7 mW/g for 90 min produced a modest decline in daily sperm production, primarily affecting primary spermatocytes; 4.2 mW/g was ineffective. Conventional heating required intratesticular temperatures >39°C for 60 min to significantly reduce DSP, and FSH/LH levels were resistant to either treatment; authors conclude effects are explained by macroscopic heating.

Outcomes measured

• daily sperm production (DSP)
• germ cell types (including primary spermatocytes)
• intratesticular temperature
• circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• circulating luteinizing hormone (LH)

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in abstract.
• Details of exposure conditions beyond frequency, dose (mW/g), and duration are not provided in abstract.
• Animal model; generalizability to humans not addressed in abstract.

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "microwave",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 1300,
        "sar_wkg": 7.70000000000000017763568394002504646778106689453125,
        "duration": "90 min"
    },
    "population": "Anesthetized adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (400–500 g)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "daily sperm production (DSP)",
        "germ cell types (including primary spermatocytes)",
        "intratesticular temperature",
        "circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)",
        "circulating luteinizing hormone (LH)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Pulse-modulated microwave radiation (1.3 GHz) at 7.7 mW/g for 90 min produced a modest decline in daily sperm production, primarily affecting primary spermatocytes; 4.2 mW/g was ineffective. Conventional heating required intratesticular temperatures >39°C for 60 min to significantly reduce DSP, and FSH/LH levels were resistant to either treatment; authors conclude effects are explained by macroscopic heating.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in abstract.",
        "Details of exposure conditions beyond frequency, dose (mW/g), and duration are not provided in abstract.",
        "Animal model; generalizability to humans not addressed in abstract."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "pulse-modulated microwave radiation",
        "microwave",
        "1.3 GHz",
        "rat",
        "testicular function",
        "spermatogenesis",
        "daily sperm production",
        "primary spermatocytes",
        "intratesticular temperature",
        "heating",
        "FSH",
        "LH"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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