P-18: The Effect of Extremly Low Frequency EMF on Epididymis In Rabbit

Background: Considerable attention is focused on effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) and its increasing use in everyday life. Appliances and various equipments are sources of electromagnetic field with a wide-range of technical characteristics. In this study we investigated the effect of EMF (950 MHz) on epididymis in rabbit. Materials and Methods: 18 Newzealand rabbits were selected and divided into three groups (control, experimental 1 and experimental 2). While control was not exposed to EMF, the experimental groups were exposed to EMF (950 MHz) 2 hours a day, 6 days per week and for 14 days. After one week rest, the rabbits were sacrificed; the samples were removed and processed for light microscopic studies. The height of epithelium and the mean diameter of epididymis in 3 groups were measured and compared using statistical methods. Results: The data showed that the height of epithelium in EMF group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.001). Meanwhile and the mean diameter of epididymis. The data showed that the mean diameter of epididymis in EMF group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: It could be concluded that the exposure to EMF leads to detrimental effects on male reproductive system in rabbit by decreasing the height of epithelial and diameter of reproductive ducts.