Abstract

Exposure to artificially generated electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is a common occurrence for a large number of individuals, its biological consequences, still largely unknown, are being studied in experimental animals and in humans. The present work aimed to investigate the possible harmful effects of EMF flux on the ovaries and gonadotrophic hormones (HL and FSH levels) of female mice. Adult female mice were exposed to visible light (Cool-white Fluorescent lamps) with intensity 77 mW/cm2 on the area of 72.5 cm2 and frequency of electromagnetic radiation between 3.9 x 1014 Hz and 7.5 x 1014 Hz W/cm2 (from violet to red colours) for 8 hours/day for 3, 6, and 12 days. Histological observations of the ovaries of exposed mice showed varying degrees of degenerating follicles; the ovarian tissues showed congested blood vessels, haemorrhage, and great reduction in the number of the corpora lutea and Graafian follicles. Plasma FSH and LH levels showed a significant decline in treated groups. The damage was proportional with the exposure periods; 12 days of exposure resulted in female mice ovaries without mature Graafian follicles and suppression of FSH and LH hormones. In conclusion, besides the puzzling question regarding the impaired physiological processes, the negative role exerted by man-made EMFs on the reproductive potential of females exposed to such fields is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Key words: Electromagnetic fields, gonadotrophic hormones, histopathology, ovary