[Gonadal function in the rat exposed to a high intensity electric field of 50 Hz]

The effects of 50 Hz AC electric field of high intensity (100 kV/m) have been studied on the reproductive system of male rats exposed acutely (30 minutes a day) or chronically (8 hours a day) for up to 48 days. Groups of controls were studied simultaneously. Weight of the testicles, sperm viability, number of copulations, pregnancies, foetal implantations and reabsorptions as well as macro and microscopic anatomy have been investigated after mate with unexposed females. For acutely exposed animals, the number of copulations and fertility appeared lower than during chronic exposure. On the contrary, no changes were observed in sperm viability, morphology and in the others parameters under study. During chronic exposure no changes of any of the parameters analyzed occurred. However, in both modes of exposure the weight of the offsprings was about 10% lower than in controls. We conclude that exposure of male animals to extremely high electric field does not cause any damage to the reproductive system.