Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Pathophysiology of microwave radiation: effect on rat brain med./bio.

Published in: Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2012; 166 (2): 379-388

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effect of 2.45 GHz microwave exposure on the brain of rats.

Background/further details

Six animals were exposed and six animals were sham exposed.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day on 45 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration continuous for 2 h/day on 45 days
Modulation
Modulation type cf. additional info
Additional info

modulation frequency: 50 Hz

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup anechoic chamber lined on the inside with radar absorbing material; Plexiglas cage, ventilated with 1 cm diameter holes, housing 6 rats, placed in the chamber; horn antenna positioned inside the chamber above the cage; all animals facing the antenna; microwave oven connected to the horn antenna
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 700 W - measured - output power
power density 0.21 mW/cm² - - - -
SAR 0.14 W/kg - estimated whole body -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

A significant decrease was recorded in the level of pineal melatonin in the exposed group compared with the sham exposed group. A significant increase in creatine kinase enzyme activity, caspase 3 activity, and calcium ion concentration was found in whole brain samples of exposed animals compared with those of sham exposed animals.
The authors conclude that a decrease in melatonin or an increase in caspase-3 activity, creatine kinase activity, and calcium ion may cause a significant damage in brain due to chronic exposure.

Study character:

Study funded by

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