MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TESTES IN YOUNG SEXUALLY MATURE RATS FOLLOWING PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO LOW-LEVEL ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

The aim of this study is to investigate the functional and morphological characteristics of the testes in young sexually mature rats exposed to low-intensity centimeter-range electromagnetic radiation during the intrauterine period (within the “mother-fetus” system). Materials and methods. Intrauterine exposure to electromagnetic radiation was simulated using a high-frequency generator G4-190-3/1, equipped with a P-6-23A radiating antenna. To evaluate the reproductive system, a morphological examination of the testes and measurement of blood testosterone levels were performed. Morphometric methods were employed to quantify histological findings. The area of Leydig cell nuclei was measured, and the optical density of stromal connective tissue was assessed using the PAS reaction. The proliferative activity of spermatogenic epithelium cells was determined through an immunohistochemical reaction to the Ki-67 antigen. Results. In this experiment, the consequences of intrauterine damage to the testicles of male offspring were observed. We can presume that there is not only intrauterine damage, which may undergo regeneration later in life, but also the formation of epigenetic changes of regulatory factors that affect the expression of genes determining the morphofunctional state of the spermatogenic epithelium. Epigenetic changes developed during intrauterine period can manifest throughout the offspring’s lifetime after birth. Conclusions. Functional and morphological changes were found in the testes of sexually mature young males, offspring of mothers exposed to low-intensity centimeter-level electromagnetic fields during pregnancy. Hypoplastic changes in the testicles, a decrease in the proliferative potential of the spermatogenic epithelium were revealed. Hormonal stimulation of spermatogenesis (hypertestosteronemia and an increase in the number of Leydig cells and the size of their nuclei) obviously have a compensatory nature. The obtained results provide the basis for large epidemiological studies with the involvement of a wide range of specialists in both medical and technical specialties.