Effect of whole-body 1800 MHz GSM-like microwave exposure on testicular steroidogenesis and histology in mice

The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible effects of whole-body 1800 MHz GSM-like microwave exposure on male reproduction. After repeated exposure of mice to microwaves at 0.018–0.023 W/kg whole-body specific energy absorption rate (SAR) an elevated serum testosterone level was measured, but no microwave exposure related histopathological alteration could be detected in the reproductive organs. The in vitro steroidogenic response of 48 h Leydig cell cultures obtained from exposed animals did not differ from the controls, suggesting that Leydig cells were not the primary targets of the applied microwave exposure or direct action of microwaves on Leydig cells was temporary only. In exposed animals the red blood cell count and volume of packed red cells were also increased. Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism of action of the applied microwave exposure on male mice, as well as to establish the biological significance of the observed phenomena.