Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation and heat on mouse spermatogenic epithelium med./bio.

By: Saunders RD, Kowalczuk CI
Published in: Int J Radiat Biol Relat Stud Phys Chem Med 1981; 40 (6): 623-632
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Aim of study (acc. to editor)

To compare the effects of 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation and direct heating on the testes of anaesthetized mice.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: 30 min
  • SAR: 74.7 mW/g maximum (partial body) (57.3 W/kg, 45.7 W/kg, 36.7 W/kg, 29.5 W/kg and 18 W/kg)
Exposure 2: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: 30 min
  • SAR: 57 mW/g maximum (partial body) (43 W/kg and 22 W/kg)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Charakteristic
  • guided field
Exposure duration 30 min
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup With the help of an adjustable slit the lower half of the anaesthetized mouse was positioned inside the waveguide
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 74.7 mW/g maximum determined by power loss partial body 57.3 W/kg, 45.7 W/kg, 36.7 W/kg, 29.5 W/kg and 18 W/kg

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Charakteristic
  • guided field
Exposure duration 30 min
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 57 mW/g maximum determined by power loss partial body 43 W/kg and 22 W/kg

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Effects were found which are consistent with the hypothesis that heat damage is the primary effect of microwave irradiation. Damage measured six days after irradiation ranged in severity from depletion of the spermatocytes to extensive necrosis of the germinal epithelium. Temperature-sensitive probes implanted in the testes demonstrated a threshold effect for depletion of the spermatocytes of approximately 39°C and a LD50 6 (50% cell death after 6 days) of about 41°C after microwave exposure or direct heating. The corresponding effective threshold effect and LD50 6 expressed in terms of absorbed microwave power were 20 W/kg and 30 W/kg. It is probable that a conscious animal is better able to regulate testicular temperature and hence adjust to higher dose rates.

Study character:

Study funded by

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