OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and C-myc protein in the spermatogenic cells of rats after exposure to high power microwave (HPM) and to elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying the apoptosis induced by HPM at the genetic translation level.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-five healthy male SD rats were divided randomly into unexposed control and experimental groups. The latter were radiated with S wave band 10 W/cm2, 20 W/cm2 HPM for 5 min and 10 min. Testicular samples were taken 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 120 h after radiation and studied respectively. Five blank radiation groups served as controls. Then immunohistochemical SP staining was performed to test the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and C-myc protein in the spermatogenic cells in the rats.

RESULTSThe expression of Bcl-2 protein in the 24 h group was up-regulated after radiated for 5 minutes and 10 minutes by HPM, higher in the 20 mW/cm2 group than in the 10 mW/cm2 group (P < 0.01). There was no expression of C-myc/Bcl-2 protein in the control group.

CONCLUSIONExposure to HPM for 24 h can up-regulate the expressions of C-myc protein and Bcl-2 protein in the spermatogenic cells of rats, which might be one of the mechanisms of the apoptosis induced by HPM.