[Influence of occupational vibration on the female reproductive system and function].

The relevant literature on the effects of occupational vibration was analyzed in order to obtain information concerning a possibly health risk on the female reproductive organs Vibration exposure can probably contribute to the pathogenesis of disorders of female reproductive organs (decrease in uterine blood flow, menstrual disturbances, and anomalies of position) and disturbances of pregnancy (abortions, stillbirths). Experimental animal studies on the reproduction function suggest harmful effects on the fetus, and dystrophic and morphological changes in the uterus and ovaries in animals.

Effect of vibrations on male reproductive system and function.

From data in the literature, the potential risk of mechanical vibrations on reproduction in experimental, clinical and epidemiological studies (in experimental animals, men occupied in transport and industry), as well as the influence on sexuality are summarised. Results of the authors own experimental and clinical studies on the influence of the vibration on the male reproductive system are also presented. In male rats, decreased sperm counts, spermatogenesis index and size of testes, changed character of their motion, chronic venous stagnation and dystrophic alterations in tubuli contorti, changed ScDH, ATP-ase, LDH and GL-6-PDH activity, germ cells structural damages were observed. Workers exposed to vibrations had an increased prevalence of oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Sexual disorders are also observed. The authors suggest that reproductive disorders should be included in the list of non-specific effects of vibrations. The detected changes justify further investigations and development of mathematical models for early detection and prognosis of the unfavourable effect on male reproductive function.

Male reproductive function in workers exposed to vibration.

Male infertility is a significant health problem. Increasing attention has been paid to the use of semen analysis as an indicator of exposure to potential reproductive hazards. The aim of the current paper was to study the effects of vibrations on the spermatogenesis in workers of different occupational groups (professional drivers, miners, engine drivers, etc.). Semen samples were analyzed for pH, volume, turbidity, sperm density sperm count and sperm morphology. Workers had an increased prevalence of oligospermia and azoospermia. The semen volume and percentage of motile spermatozoa decreased significantly and the incidence of sperm malformation increased in exposed workers.

Glomerulometric data in experimental toxicological investigations.

Glomerulometric quantitative investigations from rat kidney during chronic attempt with the substances Deta-20 and Polystabil VZ on paraffin sections were carried out. These substances are utilized in textile and food industry. Data, obtained by means of a graduated eyepiece-micrometer for light microscope, were plotted on histograms. This work is an attempt to introduce lightoptical morphometric measurements for nuclei and cells as well as for other structures (glomeruli).