Effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure on Leydig cell counts in male Swiss webster mice

Widespread use of electronic technology increases the risk of future health problems, including those involving the reproductive system. Animal-model studies have not yet comprehensively examined the effect of electromagnetic fields by studying exposure over consecutive generations. The present study investigated the effect of continuous, extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on the Leydig cells in 3 generations of male Swiss Webster mice. The mice were distributed into 3 groups with different exposure levels (3, 4, and 5 kV) and a control population (0 kV). The numbers of Leydig cells in all the exposed groups were significantly reduced compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There were also significant decreases in Leydig cell counts in each subsequent generation of the 3 and 4 kV exposure groups (p < 0.05). It was concluded that ELF-EMF exposure negatively affects the Leydig cell population, thereby reducing spermatogenic capacity.