Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

An evaluation of the teratogenic potential of protracted exposure of pregnant rats to 2450-MHz microwave radiation. II. Postnatal psychophysiologic analysis med./bio.

Published in: J Toxicol Environ Health 1983; 11 (1): 37-59
Journal partially peer-reviewed/peer-review process unclear

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether protracted prenatal exposure of rats to 2450 MHz microwave irradiation at a power density level of 20 mW/cm², which did not cause an overt increase in maternal body temperature, would significantly alter postnatal growth and psychophysiologic development.

Background/further details

Of 75 pregnant rats, 12 animals were exposed to microwave irradiation, four rats were sham exposed, and 59 served as control animals. The neonates were examined and weighed on day three and weekly thereafter until 87 days of age. Neonatal reflex tests were initiated as early as day three. One physiologic parameter, eye opening, was also observed. Mothers were rebred ten days after weaning and a morphological evaluation was completed on the second litter. Behavioral tests were begun at 60 d of age. At 90 days of age offspring were bred within and across groups, and a morphological teratologic analyses was completed on the offspring. Tissue samples were collected and organ weights were recorded of all animals.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous, 6 h/day through gestation

General information

The female pregnant rats (n=75) were divided in three groups: Group 1: n=12 exposed to microwave radiation, Group 2: n=4 sham-exposed, Group 3: n=59 environmental control

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous, 6 h/day through gestation
Additional info In this report, exposure and measurement are not described in detail, but reference is made to the first part of the study (Jensh et al. 1983).
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 20 mW/cm² - - - -

Reference articles

  • Jensh RP et al. (1983): An evaluation of the teratogenic potential of protracted exposure of pregnant rats to 2450-MHz microwave radiation: I. Morphologic analysis at term

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)

The findings indicated that there were no significant malformations or significant alterations in the neonatal physiologic or reflex test results, body/organ weight ratios, or breeding results in the adult offspring. There were no significant changes in five of the six adult behavioral tests, but exposed offspring was significantly more active than control offspring.
These findings are indicative of possible irradiation-induced behavioral changes. Further investigations are needed to explore the possibility of microwave exposure-related changes in animal behavior.

Study character:

Study funded by

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