The Effects of 50 Hz Electromagnetic Fields Induction of Apoptosis in Rat Ovarian Follicles

Objective: The increases application of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) equipments in last decades led to some diseases. Therefore, many studies focused in this issue mainly on critical organs like central nervous system and reproductive function. In the meantime, female infertility by EMFs is one of the most important challenges in current studies. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were selected randomly and divided into 3 groups (n = 10). Group 1 received 50 Hz EMFs for 8 weeks (3 weeks via intrauterine + 5 weeks after births). Group 2 received 50 Hz EMFs for 13 weeks (3 weeks via intrauterine + 10 weeks after birth). Group 3 was considered as a control in the normal condition. After this period, evaluation apoptosis in ovarian follicles were analyzed by TUNEL method. Results: The results of this study show a significantly increased of apoptotic cell members in experimental groups. Degenerative and pathologic changes were found in ovarian tissue and follicles besides which indicates increase the number of apoptotic cells in experimental groups. As well as, this study has shown that oocyte nucleus was smaller and deformed and apoptotic vacuoles increased in granulose cell. Conclusion: According to the results, we observed that EMFs can changes oogenesis cycle through destructive impacts on ovary structure and function. Of course, this problem depends on frequency and duration of exposure to these waves.