Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of whole body microwave exposure on the rat brain contents of biogenic amines med./bio.

By: Inaba R, Shishido K, Okada A, Moroji T
Published in: Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1992; 65 (2): 124-128
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To determine the effects of microwaves with a frequency of 2450 MHz on the regional brain contents of neurotransmitters.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: 1 h
Exposure 2: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: 1 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration 1 h
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • magnetron
Chamber applicator/ 350 mm x 470 mm x 455 mm
Setup rats kept in a semicylindrical acrylic plastic holders ( 5 mm thick, 60 mm inside diameter, 170 mm long) during the exposure.
Additional info The environment during exposure was maintained at 21 to 23°C and 50 to 60% humidity.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 50 W/m² unspecified measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration 1 h
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 100 W/m² unspecified measured - -

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 data indicated that whole body microwave exposure affected the function of monoaminergic neurons in the rat brain. It seems that the effects on the CNS can be attributed to the hyperthermia characteristics of microwave exposure, although the direct effects of exposure on the CNS cannot be completely discarded. Microwave irradiation at power densities of 5 and 10 mW/cm² increased the mean rectal temperature by 2.3°C and 3.4°C, respectively. The noradrenaline content in the hypothalamus was significantly reduced after exposure at a power density of 10 mW/cm². There were no differences in the dopamine content of any region of the brain between exposed and control animals. The DOPAC (dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid) content, the main metabolite of dopamine, was significantly increased in the pons plus medulla oblongata only at a power density of 10 mW/cm². The serotonin level in all regions of the brain of exposed rats was not different from that of the control animals. The 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid level in the cerebral cortex of exposed rats was significantly increased at power densities of 5 mW/cm².

Study character:

Study funded by

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