P–036 Investigation of the 2100 MHz electromagnetic field effects on sperm CatSper calcium channel
Authors: Ayas B , Kocaman A 
Published: August 2021

Study question

Does electromagnetic field (EMF) effect sperm motility through CatSper calcium channels in rat?

Summary answer

2100 MHz EMF may reduce sperm motility by acting on CatSper calcium channels.

What is known already

EMF exposure has become a serious concern in infertility patients. The effects of EMF through by using mobile phone and laptop have been explored previously, mostly focusing on sperm motility and DNA fragmentation. EMF activates the voltage gated calcium channels and increases calcium concentration. As a result of the EMA exposure, the sperm motility may increase. However, if this happens while sperms are in non-progressive motile phase in the epididymis, it may result with the depletion of limited energy stores. Sperms may become immotile and they can’t move forward in the progressive motile phase in the female reproductive system.

Study design, size, duration

This basic research study was an in vivo experimental approach involving the use of 50 male rats. Wistar-Albino rats (n = 10) weighing ∼320 –350g were included in each groups. The duration of EMF exposure was 1 hour per day for 28 days. Amlodipine (1 mg/kg, 28 days) was used as a calcium channel blocker. The experiment was held between July to December in 2020. 20 female rats were recruited for mating test.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

50 rats were divided into five groups. Group 1; Pure control. Group 2; Sham. Group 3; EMF exposure, Group 4: EMF+Amlodipine, Group 5: Amlodipine positive control. After four weeks of exposure, rats were sacrificed and sperm were collected from cauda epididymis. Sperm motility parameters were analyzed. Intracellular calcium levels were determined with two different method, fluorescence spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscope. Before sacrifice, rats were mated with female rats to evaluate mating ratios.

Main results and the role of chance

The mating score and live birth rates did not vary significantly among the groups (p &gt; 0.05). The sperm motility (A+B, 47.62±16.92 versus 34.19±14.62) and intracellular calcium levels (2.46±0.20 versus 1.85±0.18) were significantly decreased in the EMF group (p &lt; 0.05). The results of fluorescence spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscopy with fluorescent attachment were consistent with each other. There were no significant differences found among the other groups in terms of investigated parameters. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn-Bonferroni’s test.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The Catsper 1, 2, 3, 4 gene expression levels are still under analyses. These gene expression levels will be helpful to understand possible changes of the sperm motility. The determination of other motility related gene expressions may strength the results.

Wider implications of the findings: EMF exposure may have a significant effect on sperm motility parameters. Mobile phones carried very close to the reproductive organs may adversely affect the motility of sperm cells due to its emitted radiation levels

Trial registration number

Not applicable