Testicular Function and the Effects of Microwave Radiation.
Abstract
The effects of pulse modulated (PM) and continuous wave (CW) microwave radiation (MWR) at 1.3 GHZ on spermiogenesis in the rat were studied. Undrugged freely mobile or anesthetized adult male rats were treated, then Sacrificed at discrete latencies in relationship to the 13-day cycle time of the seminiferous epithelium. Changes in rectal and testicular temperatures were measured during warm-water immersion of the testicles. Exposure of the freely mobile rat for 8 h to CW MWR at 9 mW/g was ineffective. Acute (90 min) exposure of the anesthetized rat, PM MWR at 7.7 mW/g yielded sharp reductions in daily sperm production (DSP) at 13 and 26 days with only partial recovery at 52 days. There were no detectable changes at 6.5 days, thus suggesting the absence of an effect on mature spermatids. Immersion heating of the testis to 39 C yielded an initial decline in DSP at 6.5 days, followed by recovery to control levels. With respect to changes in DSP and/or sperm morphology, the elevation of testicular temperature was a common underlying variable; a rise to at least 39 C through either MWR or conventionally induced heating was required to produce evident decrement. Thus, MWR had the most pronounced impact on early spermatids and/or primary spermatocytes. CW MWR yielded essentially the same results as did PM MWR. The major factor impacting sperm production in the adult rat temperature rise in the testis. Keywords: Rat; Testicular function; Neuroendocrine; Continuous wave; Pulsed modulated; Radiation dosage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA169001
Entities
People
- John Orr
- Larry Johnson
- Robert M. Lebovitz
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin