Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Anti-inflammatory effects of low-intensity extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation: frequency and power dependence med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29 (3): 197-206

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This in vivo study was conducted to investigate the effects of extremely high frequency electromagnetic field exposure on inflammation in mice.

Background/further details

Inflammation was induced by zymosan injection in the left mouse footpad and became manifest in edema. Adult male mice (2 months of age, 25-30 g in body weight) were used. The animals were sham exposed, extremely high frequency electromagnetic field exposed and treated with drugs which modulate immune response (cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac, antihistamine clemastine). Additionally, cage control was performed.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 37.5–70 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 20 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 37.5–70 GHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration continuous for 20 min
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 30 cm
Setup mice in 100 mm x 100 mm x 130 mm plastic containers ; exposed from the top; multi-layer absorbers between animal containers and floor
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.1 mW/cm² maximum - - at the center of the exposure zone
power density 0.05 mW/cm² minimum - - at the walls
SAR 1.5 W/kg maximum calculated whole body -
SAR 0.75 W/kg minimum calculated whole body -

Reference articles

  • Gapeev AB et al. (1996): [Modification of the activity of murine peritoneal neutrophils upon exposure to millimeter waves at close and far distances from the emitter]
  • Gapeyev AB et al. (1996): Modification of the activity of mouse peritoneal neutrophils on exposure to millimetre waves in the near and far zones of the emitter

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The single exposure of animals to extremely high frequency electromagnetic fields at the specific absorption rate of 0.1 mW/cm2 for 20 minutes at 1 hour after inflammation induction by zymosan reduced both the footpad edema and local hyperthermia on average by 20% at the frequencies of 42.2, 51.8, and 65 GHz. Some other frequencies from the frequency range of 37.5-70 GHz were less effective or not effective at all. Reduction of the specific absorption rate to 0.01 mW/cm2 leaded to diminished decrease in edema.
The co-exposure to electromagnetic fields plus diclofenac resulted in a partial additive effect of decrease in footpad edema. The co-exposure to electromagnetic fields plus clemastine caused a dose-dependent abolishment of the anti-inflammatory effect of the electromagnetic fields.

Study character:

Study funded by

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