Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Cytogenetic effects of microwave irradiation on male germ cells of the mouse med./bio.

By: Beechey CV, Brooker D, Kowalczuk CI, Saunders RD, Searle AG
Published in: Int J Radiat Biol Relat Stud Phys Chem Med 1986; 50 (5): 909-918
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

The study was undertaken to confirm the findings of previous studies (publication 922 and publication 9731) where miotic chromosomes of mice were chronically exposed to 9.45 GHz and 2.45 GHz microwaves. An increase in the frequency of chromosome exchanges as well as other cytogenetic effects were found. In addition, effects on spermatogonial stem cells were investigated.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Modulation type: AM
Exposure duration: 30 min/day, 6 days/week for 2 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration 30 min/day, 6 days/week for 2 weeks
Modulation
Modulation type AM
Modulation frequency 100 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 0.85 m
Setup Mice kept in 4 small perspex cages in the Anechoic chamber with their long body axis parallel and perpendicular to magnetic field and eletric field, respectively.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 100 W/m² unspecified measured - -
power density 1 W/m² unspecified measured - -
power density 400 W/m² unspecified measured - -
SAR 50 µW/g unspecified estimated - 5 W/kg and 20 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)

Mean rectal temperature during exposure was only in the group exposed to 400 W/m² significantly increased (about 3°C). In groups killed 2-3 days after treatment (mainly meiotic exposure, 400 W/m²) frequencies of chromosome aberrations in spermatocytes showed no significant heterogeneity. Another group killed 30 days after 100 W/m² exposure (spermatogonial sampling) showed no significant increase in chromosome aberration frequency. There was a small but significant increase in sperm count with increasing power density in mice killed 12-13 days after exposure, but a non-significant one in those killed 41 days later. Effects were less severe than those reported previously (publication 922) with a similar radiation regime and were probably caused by temperature enhancement.

Study character:

Study funded by

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