Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University,Ludhiana-141004,Punjab, India
The present study was carried out to investigate the possible effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations (EMR) of cell phone on hypothalamo-hypophysial axis followed by changes in reproductive parameters of albino rats. Animals were placed in polypropylene cages and exposed to EMR from cell phone at a specific absorption rate (1.25 watt/kg) for a period of 2 months (at 15 cm). Power density (PD) was detected at the distance of 15 cm during off call (6.28v/m) and on call (20.06v/m). Animals were sacrificed for histological and biochemical studies. Biochemical parameters such as total proteins, ALT, AST significantly increased in exposed rats as compared to control rats. The levels of LH and FSH decreased significantly in males. In females, the level of estrogen, LH and FSH decreased significantly however the level of progesterone increased significantly. Significant decrease in sperm concentration, sperm motility was observed in exposed male rats. Alteration in sperm morphology was also observed. Follicular atresia was higher in ovaries of exposed female rats. Histological examination revealed alteration in pituitary gland and reproductive organs of male and female rats. It was concluded that electromagnetic radiations of mobile phone have harmful effect on hypothalamus, pituitary gland and reproductive system of male and female rats. These effects increased with duration of exposure of radiations.
Keywords: EMR, hormones, enzymes, proteins, ovaries