Medical/biological study (experimental study)

[Abnormalities and intra-uterine death following microwave therapy in early pregnancy. Animal experiments] med./bio.

Missbildungen und intrauerines Absterben nach Kurzwellenbehandlung in der Frühschwangerschaft. Tierexperimetelle Untersuchung

By: Dietzel F, Kern W, Steckenmesser R

Published in: Munch Med Wochenschr 1972; 114 (6): 228-230

Journal partially peer-reviewed/peer-review process unclear

Download citation in RIS format

Aim of study (acc. to editor)

To study the effects of temperature elevation induced by a short-wave therapy device on early pregnancy of rats.

Background/further details

749 pregnant rats were exposed to a single short wave treatment in the first 16 days of the pregnancy inducing short lasting rectal temperatures of 42°C. Additional investigations were performed at 39 and 41°C and controls were performed at 38°C. On the 20^th day of pregnancy 7800 foetuses were delivered by Caesarian section.

Endpoint

effects on embryo/fetus: intrauterine development (teratogenic effects and mortality)

Exposure

- 27.12 MHz
- microwaves
- therapeutic/medical device
- microw. oven/heating device

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 27.12 MHz Exposure duration: continuous for approx. 10 min. (rectal temperatures of 42°C) at different days of early pregnancy	-

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	27.12 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for approx. 10 min. (rectal temperatures of 42°C) at different days of early pregnancy

Exposure setup

Exposure source	short-wave therapy apparatus (Ultratherm 603)
Setup	abdomen of pregnant rats were heated by short-wave therapy apparatus

Parameters

No parameters are specified for this exposure.

Exposed system:

animal
partial body: abdomen

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on embryo/fetus: intrauterine development (teratogenic effects and mortality (number of corpora lutea graviditatis))

Investigated system:

foetuses

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

As a consequence of the hyperthermia treatment numerous malformations arose. The data revealed malformations of the central nervous system, the eys, the tail and extremities as well as cleft palates. The malformation type corresponded to the teratogenic phase at the time of the short wave treatment. Before implantation (i.e. during the first days of pregnancy), the short-wave therapy was lethal for the majority of the embryos.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

Amer FI et al. (2013): Effect Of Microwave Radiation On The Retina Of Mice Embryos
Al-Mandeel MM et al. (2010): The thermal and nonthermal effects of high and low doses of pulsed short wave therapy (PSWT)
Taskinen H et al. (1990): Effects of ultrasound, shortwaves, and physical exertion on pregnancy outcome in physiotherapists
Brown-Woodman PD et al. (1988): Studies of the Teratogenic Potential of Exposure of Rats to 27.12 MHz Pulsed Shortwave Radiation
Brown-Woodman PD et al. (1988): Teratogenic effects of exposure to radiofrequency radiation (27.12 MHz) from a shortwave diathermy unit
Lieb RJ et al. (1980): Effect of pulsed high frequency electromagnetic radiation on embryonic mouse palate in vitro

This website uses cookies to provide you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies.

More information