Histomorphometry and Sperm Quality in Male Rats Exposed to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi.

Abstract

Numerous studies have documented the effect of 2.45GHz Wi-Fi exposure on the testes and sperm quality. Nevertheless, detailed histological alterations of other male reproductive organs are underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate detailed histological alterations of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, coagulating organ, and sperms parameters following 2.45GHz Wi-Fi exposure. Eighteen adult male Sprague Dawley rats (N=18) were equally divided into three groups (n=6): Control, 4-hour, and 24-hour groups. The groups were exposed to an active router daily for 4 or 24 hours, respectively. The Control group was sham-exposed using an inactive router. The exposure lasted for eight weeks at a 20cm distance, with a power density of 0.141W/m² and a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.41W/Kg. Histological findings revealed vacuolation in the testes and the corpus epididymis of the 4-hour and 24-hour groups. The seminal vesicle in both exposed groups exhibited multifocal atypical hyperplasia. Besides, the seminiferous tubule diameter decreased gradually in both exposed groups, with a substantial decrease in the 24-hour group. The spermatogenesis index in 4-hour and 24-hour groups also reduced significantly. The latter result was reflected in the sperm concentration, where both groups showed a significant reduction compared to the Control group. Sperm motility also decreased significantly in the 4-hour groups. Interestingly, there was a substantial increase in sperm viability in the 24-hour group. These findings indicate that 2.45GHz Wi-Fi exposure causes changes in the histology and histomorphometry measurement and impairs important sperm parameters. This highlights the consequences following Wi-Fi exposure on male reproductive health.