Effects of 220 MHz Radiofrequency Field on Sperm Quality of SD Rat

Under some occupational conditions, workers are inevitably exposed to high-intensity radiofrequency (RF) field, so the effects of long-term exposure to RF field on health have already become a public concern. In this study, we investigated the effects of one-month exposure to a 220 MHz RF field at two different average power densities (50 W/m
²
and 100 W/m
²
) on the sperm quality in male adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Sperm quality was evaluated by measuring the number, the abnormality and the survival rate of sperm. The morphology of testis was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Levels of secreting factors by Sertoli cells (including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), stem cell factor (SCF), transferrin (TRF) and androgen binding protein (ABP)) and factor by Leydig cells (testosterone, T) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of the apoptosis-related protein (Caspase 3, BAX and BCL 2) in testis were assessed by Western Blotting analysis. Compared with the sham group, the sperm quality in RF groups decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Levels of GDNF, SCF, TRF and ABP in testis as well as the morphology of testis, showed on obvious changes after RF exposure. The level of serum T decreased significantly in the rats treated with 50 W/m
²
RF exposure and increased significantly in the rats treated with 100 W/m
²
RF exposure, compared with sham group. In addition, the protein levels of Caspase 3 and the BAX/BCL 2 ratio in testis increased obviously after RF exposure, compared with sham group. These data collectively suggested that under the present experimental conditions, 220 MHz RF exposure could affect sperm quality in rats, and the disruption of secreting function of Leydig cells and increased apoptosis of testis cells induced by RF field might both account for this damaging effect.