In vitro effect of pulsed 900 MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential and motility of human spermatozoa

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Authors

Falzone, Nadia
Huyser, Carin
Fourie, Francois le Roux
Toivo, Tim
Leszczynski, Dariusz
Franken, Daniel R.

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Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley

Abstract

Ejaculated, density purified, human spermatozoa were exposed to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation at two specific absorption rate levels (SAR 2.0 and 5.7 W/kg) and examined at various time points post exposure. Change in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed using flow cytometry. Sperm motility was determined by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). There was no effect of 900MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential. This was also the case for all kinematic parameters assessed at SAR of 2.0 W/kg. However, two kinematic parameters (VSL and BCF) were statistically significantly altered after the exposure at SAR 5.7 W/kg. Effects seen cannot be ascribed to heating, as the temperature did not increase by more than 0.3ºC. A thorough investigation at lower SAR levels is required to determine the extent of the influence of RF-EMF on human sperm motility.

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Keywords

Human spermatozoa, Mobile phone radiation, Mitochondrial membrane potential, CASA, Sperm motility, Safety, Health effects, Radio frequency electromagnetic fields, Environmental factors, Mobile phones, Radiation

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Citation

Falzone, N, Huyser, C, Fourie, FlR, Toivo, T, Leszczynski, D & Franken, DR 2008, 'In vitro effect of pulsed 900 MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential and motility of human spermatozoa', Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 268-276. [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/34135/home]