Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of millimeter waves on natural killer cell activation med./bio.

By: Makar VR, Logani MK, Bhanushali A, Kataoka M, Ziskin MC
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2005; 26 (1): 10-19
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether millimeter waves can modulate the effect of cyclophosphamide, an anticancer drug, on natural killer cell activity.

Background/further details

Natural killer cells play an important role in the antitumor response.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 42.2 GHz
Exposure duration: 3 days for 30 min each
  • SAR: 622 mW/g maximum (unspecified) (± 100 W/kg; determined thermographically using infra-red camera at the skin surface)
  • power density: 310 W/m² peak value (± 5 mW/cm²)

General information

The mice were divided into 4 groups; Group 1 was not treated, group 2 was irradiated and on day 2 it received 0.5 ml CPA solution, group 3 were sham exposed and on day 2 received CPA, group 4 was treated with CPA but was neither exposed or restrained

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 42.2 GHz
Exposure duration 3 days for 30 min each
Additional info Reference article: Logani MK, Liu Y, Ziskin MC. 1999. Millimeter waves enhance delayed type hypersensitivity in mouse skin. Electro Magnetobiology 18: 165-176.
Modulation
Modulation type cf. additional info
Additional info

60 Hz modulated
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 0.005 m
Setup The mice were restrained in plastic tubes (3,5 cm diameter) and the restrained mouse was positioned with its nose stuck out of the front hole (11 mm). The mice were irradiated in the nose area.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 622 mW/g maximum measured unspecified ± 100 W/kg; determined thermographically using infra-red camera at the skin surface
power density 310 W/m² peak value measured - ± 5 mW/cm²

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Cyclophosphamide treatment caused a marked enhancement in natural killer cell activation. The level of CD69 expression (a molecule on activated natural killer cells) was increased in the cyclophosphamide group at all the time points tested as compared to untreated animals. However, the most enhancement in CD69 expression was found on day 7. A significant increase in TNF-alpha level was also revealed on day 7 following cyclophosphamide treatment. On the other hand, cyclophosphamide caused a suppression of the cytolytic activity of natural killer cells.
Millimeter wave exposure of the cyclophosphamide treated animals resulted in further enhancement of CD69 expression, as well as in production of TNF-alpha. Furthermore, millimeter wave exposure restored cyclophosphamide induced suppression of the cytolytic activity of natural killer cells. The data show that millimeter wave irradiation at 42.2 GHz can up-regulate natural killer cell functions.

Study character:

Study funded by

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