EFFECTS OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ON BOAR SPERM PERMEABILITY

1. EFFECTS OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ON BOAR SPERM PERMEABILITY Alita Loveless, PGY 4 M. Sellers, L. Welch, S. Prien

2. Introduction • Electromagnetic fields are everywhere • Produced by alternating current • Can affect and possibly damage human tissues by thermal effect and disruption of molecular structure • Questionable links to various medical problems

3. Previous Experiments • Exposure to extremely high EMFs caused a decrease in semen parameters • Parameters are indicative of cell function

4. Questions • A way to detect signs of cell damage before cell function was altered • Mechanism leading to decreased cell function

5. Theoretically… • Long-term depolarization of a cell membrane when subjected to an EMF • Shift in membrane permeability • Potential effect on osmoregulation and disruption of cell function

6. Common Lab Equipment • Hood 8 mG • Centrifuge 36 mG • Incubator • Upper shelf 86 mG • Middle shelf 32 mG • Lower shelf 2 mG

7. Materials and Methods • Porcine semen samples • Incubated at 37 degrees Celcius with and without exposure to an EMF • Removed samples, combined them with fluoroscein • Examined the samples under a fluorescent microscope to determine percentage permeabilized

8. Results • Decreases in standard semen parameters

9. Results • Effects on path straightness and linearity

10. Results • Increased cell permeability with EMF exposure

11. Conclusion • Short-term exposure to an EMF appears to increase sperm permeability and alter cell physiology

12. Clinical Relevance • Assisted Reproductive Technology labs • Environment is critical • Could basic equipment be affecting our success rates?

13. Resources and Thanks… • Thanks to Lisa Welch, Matt Sellers, and Dr. Prien • Previous research: Dr. Naghma Farooqi • WHO EMF Project • http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/