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Preliminary Study on the Induction of Sperm Head Abnormalities in Mice, Mus musculus, Exposed to Radiofrequency Radiations from Global System for Mobile Communication Base Stations

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Abstract

The exposure of male mice to radiofrequency radiations from mobile phone (GSM) base stations at a workplace complex and residential quarters caused 39.78 and 46.03%, respectively, in sperm head abnormalities compared to 2.13% in control group. Statistical analysis of sperm head abnormality score showed that there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in occurrence of sperm head abnormalities in test animals. The major abnormalities observed were knobbed hook, pin-head and banana-shaped sperm head. The occurrence of the sperm head abnormalities was also found to be dose dependent. The implications of the observed increase occurrence of sperm head abnormalities on the reproductive health of humans living in close proximity to GSM base stations were discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This research is sponsored by the University of Lagos Central Research Committee (CRC) grant No. 2007/18. Ethics: The experiments carried out involved the utilization of whole and live mice. However, aiming for the protection and welfare of animals, studies were conducted in accordance with the Nigerian and University of Lagos Ethics Committee guidelines for experiment with whole animals.

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Correspondence to A. A. Otitoloju.

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Otitoloju, A.A., Obe, I.A., Adewale, O.A. et al. Preliminary Study on the Induction of Sperm Head Abnormalities in Mice, Mus musculus, Exposed to Radiofrequency Radiations from Global System for Mobile Communication Base Stations. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 84, 51–54 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9894-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9894-2

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