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PubMed2006

Free radical release and HSP70 expression in two human immune-relevant cell lines after exposure to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation.

The goal of this study was to investigate whether radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic-field (EMF) exposure at 1800 MHz causes production of free radicals and/or expression of heat-shock proteins (HSP70) in human immune-relevant cell systems. Human Mono Mac 6 and K562 cells were used to examine free radical release after exposure to incubator control, sham, RF EMFs, PMA, LPS, heat (40 degrees C) or co-exposure conditions. Several signals were used: continuous-wave, several typical modulations of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM): GSM-non DTX (speaking only), GSM-DTX (hearing only), GSM-Talk (34% speaking and 66% hearing) at specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 W/kg. Heat and PMA treatment induced a significant increase in superoxide radical anions and in ROS production in the Mono Mac 6 cells when compared to sham and/or incubator conditions. No significant differences in free radical production were detected after RF EMF exposure or in the respective controls, and no additional effects on superoxide radical anion production were detected after co-exposure to RF EMFs+PMA or RF EMFs+LPS. The GSM-DTX signal at 2 W/kg produced a significant difference in free radical production when the data were compared to sham because of the decreasing sham value. This difference disappeared when data were compared to the incubator controls. To determine the involvement of heat-shock proteins as a possible inhibitor of free radical production, we investigated the HSP70 expression level after different RF EMF exposures; no significant effects were detected.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1997

Measurement of DNA damage after exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the cellular phone communication frequency band (835.62 and 847.74 MHz).

Mouse C3H 10T1/2 fibroblasts and human glioblastoma U87MG cells were exposed to cellular phone communication frequency radiations to investigate whether such exposure produces DNA damage in in vitro cultures. Two types of frequency modulations were studied: frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW), with a carrier frequency of 835.62 MHz, and code-division multiple-access (CDMA) centered on 847.74 MHz. Exponentially growing (U87MG and C3H 10T1/2 cells) and plateau-phase (C3H 10T1/2 cells) cultures were exposed to either FMCW or CDMA radiation for varying periods up to 24 h in specially designed radial transmission lines (RTLs) that provided relatively uniform exposure with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.6 W/kg. Temperatures in the RTLs were monitored continuously and maintained at 37 +/- 0.3 degrees C. Sham exposure of cultures in an RTL (negative control) and 137Cs gamma-irradiated samples (positive control) were included with every experiment. The alkaline comet assay as described by Olive et al. (Exp. Cell Res. 198, 259-269, 1992) was used to measure DNA damage. No significant differences were observed between the test group exposed to FMCW or CDMA radiation and the sham-treated negative controls. Our results indicate that exposure of cultured mammalian cells to cellular phone communication frequencies under these conditions at an SAR of 0.6 W/kg does not cause DNA damage as measured by the alkaline comet assay.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Thermal and physiological responses of rats exposed to 2.45-GHz radiofrequency radiation: a comparison of E and H orientation.

Ketamine-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed in both E and H orientations to far-field 2.45-GHz continuous-wave radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at a power density of 60 mW/cm2 (whole-body average specific absorption rate of approximately 14 W/kg). Intermittent exposures were performed in both orientations in the same animal to repeatedly increase colonic temperature from 38.5 to 39.5 degrees C. Tympanic, subcutaneous (sides toward and away from RFR source), and colonic temperature, ECG, arterial blood pressure, and respiratory rate were continuously recorded. The pattern of heat distribution within the animal and the physiological responses were significantly different between E- and H-orientation exposure. Irradiation in E orientation resulted in greater peripheral and tympanic heating, while irradiation in H orientation resulted in greater core heating. Heart rate and blood pressure increased significantly during irradiation and returned to baseline levels when exposure was discontinued; the increases were significantly greater in E than in H orientation. Respiratory rate increased significantly during irradiation in H, but not in E orientation. The physiological responses could have been influenced by the different levels or rates of subcutaneous and tympanic heating, or the differential between core and peripheral heating during E- and H-orientation irradiation. These results suggest that, when interpreting results of RFR exposure, animal orientation during irradiation must be considered.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Sustained 35-GHz radiofrequency irradiation induces circulatory failure.

The objective of this study was to determine the thermal distribution and concomitant cardiovascular changes produced by whole-body exposure of ketamine-anesthetized rats to radiofrequency radiation of millimeter wave (MMW) length. Rats (n = 13) were implanted with a flow probe on the superior mesenteric artery and with a catheter in the carotid artery for the measurement of arterial blood pressure. Temperature was measured at five sites: left (Tsl) and right subcutaneous (sides toward and away From the MMW source, respectively), colonic (Tc), tympanic, and tail. The animals were exposed until death to MMW (35 GHz) at a power density that resulted in a whole-body specific absorption rate of 13 W/kg. During irradiation, the Tsl increase was significantly greater than the Tc increase. Heart rate increased throughout irradiation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) as well maintained until Tsl reached 42 degrees C, at which point MAP declined until death. Mesenteric vascular resistance tended to increase during the early stages of irradiation but began to decrease at Tsl > or = 41 degrees C. The declines in both mesenteric vascular resistance and MAP began at Tc < 37.5 degrees C; death occurred at Tc = 40.3 +/- .3 degrees C and Tsl = 48.0 +/- .4 degrees C. These data indicate that circulatory failure and subsequent death may occur when skin temperature is rapidly elevated, even in the presence of relatively normal Tc.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Thermoregulatory responses of rats exposed to 9.3-GHz microwaves: a comparison of E and H orientation.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of exposure orientation relative to electric and magnetic fields (E and H fields) on the thermal, cardiovascular, and respiratory changes in ketamine-anesthetized rats exposed to far-field, continuous-wave, 9.3-GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR). Irradiation (specific absorption rate = 12.5 W/kg in both orientations; power levels of 79 and 59 mW/cm2 in E and H orientations, respectively) was conducted to produce 1 degree C colonic temperature changes (38.5 to 39.5 degrees C). During experimentation, arterial blood pressure and respiratory rate, colonic (Tc) tympanic (Tt) left and right subcutaneous (Tsl & Tsr) (sides toward and away from RFR source), and tail temperatures (Tta) were continuously recorded. The Tsr change during E-orientation exposure was considerably less than the Tc change; the Tt and Tsr (H-orientation) changes approximated the Tc increase; and the Tsl and Tta changes (both orientations) were considerably greater than the Tc increase. The Tt and Tsl increases were virtually equal under the two exposure conditions; however, the Tsr increase was significantly greater during H-orientation irradiation, and the Tta increase was significantly greater during E-orientation exposure. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure increased significantly during irradiation; however the cardiovascular responses were not affected by exposure orientation. The latter findings at 9.3 GHz contrast with the marked cardiovascular response differences between E- and H-orientation exposure noted during previous studies at 0.7 to 2.45 GHz.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Hyperthermia and thermotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a critical review.

The indications, risks and benefits of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have recently been scrutinized, and interest in the development of less invasive alternative nonsurgical approaches has emerged. Among the nonsurgical alternatives, thermal treatments have been clinically introduced for a few years but are still under evaluation. Microwaves and radiofrequency waves are generated by various devices applied by the transrectal or transurethral approach, with different treatment and temperature schedules. Results achieved with the various devices did not show large significant differences. Improvement is mainly observed by a decrease in irritative symptoms rather than by modifications of obstructive parameters. The placebo effect must not be underestimated in all these new alternative methods. Fifty percent of patients in retention and unfit for anesthesia voided satisfactorily after thermal treatment. Pathological studies of operative specimens after transurethral thermotherapy showed coagulative necrosis with destruction of smooth muscle and glandular components. The destruction of alpha-receptors or sensory nerves in the prostate stroma is a possible explanation for the reduction of irritative symptoms. No significant histological lesions were found however after transrectal hyperthermia. Various factors such as differences in tissue thermosensitivity, tissular architecture and thermoregulation related to variation in the prostate blood supply may all play a part in the final heating effect and determine the clinical response for a given patient. Better understanding of these various factors may improve patient selection. Although thermal treatment of BPH cannot be seen as a substitution for surgery, it may represent an alternative option in selected patients essentially to alleviate irritative symptoms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Electromagnetic Phenomena↗
PubMed1992

Transcatheter ablation of ectopic atrial tachycardia in young patients using radiofrequency current.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT) is a reversible cause of cardiomyopathy but may be quite difficult to control with conventional therapy. Transcatheter ablation with radiofrequency current was tested as an alternative to medical or surgical treatment of this condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve young patients (aged 10 months to 19 years) with drug-resistant EAT were treated with direct transcatheter ablation of the ectopic focus using radiofrequency (RF) energy. All had depressed left ventricular contractility by echocardiographic criteria, involving shortening fractions of 10-26% (median, 20%; normal, 28-35%). The EAT was mapped to the left atrium in seven cases and to the right atrium in five. Local atrial activation at the ectopic site preceded the onset of the surface P wave by 20-60 msec (median, 42 msec). Tachycardia terminated 0.5-13.0 seconds (median, 2.0 seconds) into a successful RF application. The ablation effectively eliminated EAT in 11 of 12 patients (92%), all of whom were discharged in sinus rhythm without medications after a median hospital stay of 48 hours. Ablation was unsuccessful in one patient with diffuse dysplasia of the anterior right atrium, who eventually did well after surgical resection of abnormal atrial tissue. Transient depression of sinus node function was noted in one patient who had successful ablation of an EAT focus in close proximity to the sinus node, although normal sinus node function returned within 72 hours. No other complications were encountered. During follow-up (3-21 months; median, 13 months), one patient had recurrence of a slower and less-sustained EAT that was successfully eliminated at a second ablation session. All others remained in sinus rhythm, and all 12 subjects recovered normal ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: RF ablation appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for drug-resistant ectopic atrial tachycardia and may be the preferred first-line therapy for those patients with depressed ventricular function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Orthogonal frequency coding for SAW tagging and sensors.

Surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based sensors can offer wireless, passive operation in numerous environments, and various device embodiments are used for retrieval of the sensed data information. Single sensor systems typically can use a single carrier frequency and a simple device embodiment because tagging is not required. In a multisensor environment, it is necessary to both identify the sensor and retrieve the sensed information. This paper presents the concept of orthogonal frequency coding (OFC) for applications to SAW sensor technology. The OFC offers all advantages inherent to spread spectrum communications, including enhanced processing gain and lower interrogation power spectral density (PSD). It is shown that the time ambiguity in the OFC compressed pulse is significantly reduced as compared with a single frequency tag having the same code length, and additional coding can be added using a pseudo-noise (PN) sequence. The OFC approach is general and should be applicable to many differing SAW sensors for temperature, pressure, liquid, gases, etc. Device embodiments are shown, and a potential transceiver is described. Measured device results are presented and compared with coupling of modes (COM) model predictions to demonstrate performance. Devices then are used in computer simulations of the proposed transceiver design, and the results of an OFC sensor system are discussed.

Computer-Aided Design↗
PubMed1986

The development of biomedical approaches and concepts in radiofrequency radiation protection.

The approaches and concepts used in the development of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) protection guidelines evolved over the past quarter of a century. The values of exposure limits (EL) proposed by various groups are converging. Early guides specified ELs in incident power density. Recent ELs are based on considerations of the relationship between bioeffects and the magnitude of the whole body average specific absorption rate (WBA-SAR) and current densities induced in the body. Both these quantities may be considered as dosimetric ones. Thresholds for untoward health effects expressed in terms of these quantities were suggested, and may be considered as basic ELs. It is possible to derive a frequency-dependent relationship between incident RFR fields and WBA-SAR and/or induced current densities in the body. ELs specified for the purpose of determining compliance in terms of electric and magnetic field strengths or equivalent plane-wave power density existing at a point where a person could be present, but measured in the absence of the exposed subject, may be considered as derived working limits. The rationales offered for the recommended ELs indicate that the principal consideration in establishing limits for frequencies of 10 MHz and higher is the prevention of thermal injury, thermal being defined as relatable to heating, i.e. an increase in temperature. At lower frequencies, below 100 kHz or 30 kHz, direct effects on membranes of nerve and muscle cells may be the limiting factor. An additional consideration is the hazard of shock and burns from contact with ungrounded large metal objects that are charged by RFR fields. Recent advances in RFR dosimetry led to concerns that exposure to presently accepted derived ELs may result in large local SARs and induced current densities in certain parts of the body. The present review concludes that further refinements to the basis for RFR should be introduced. Threshold for health hazards should be investigated taking into account both direct and thermal bioeffects of RFR. The dose-thermal effects relationships should be quantified using the concepts of SAR, SA and thermal dosage. Several unresolved questions, such as the biological basis for SAR time-averaging, and the limitation of pulse peak power, are briefly discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Effects of field orientation during 700-MHz radiofrequency irradiation of rats.

Ketamine-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to far-field 700-MHz continuous-wave radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in both E and H orientations. Irradiation was conducted at whole-body average specific absorption rates (SARs) of 9.2 and 13.0 W/kg (E and H, respectively) that resulted in approximately equivalent colonic specific heating rates (SHRs). Exposures were performed to repeatedly increase colonic temperature by 1 degree C (38.5 to 39.5 degrees C). Tympanic, tail, left and right subcutaneous (toward and away from RFR source), and colonic temperatures, arterial blood pressure, and respiratory rate were continuously recorded. In spite of equivalent colonic SHRs and the reduced E-orientation average SAR, the right subcutaneous, tympanic, and tail SARs, SHRs and absolute temperature increases were significantly greater in E than in H orientation. The cooling rate at all monitoring sites was also significantly greater in E than in H orientation. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure significantly increased during irradiation; however, changes between orientations were not different. Respiratory rate significantly increased during irradiation in H, but not in E orientation. These results indicate that during resonant frequency irradiation, differences occur in the pattern of heat deposition between E- and H-orientation exposure. When compared with previous investigations performed at supraresonant frequencies, the lower level of cardiovascular change in this study was probably related to the lower periphery-to-core thermal gradient.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Effects of 20-MHz radiofrequency radiation on rat hematology, splenic function, and serum chemistry.

In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed in a TEM chamber to 20-MHz (HF-band) continuous-wave radiofrequency radiation (RFR) for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week up to 6 weeks. The average E-field intensity was 2686 +/- 164 V/m (mean +/- SD) and the calculated specific absorption rate was 0.3 W/kg. Randomly sampled rats killed on Days 8, 22, 39, and 42 after initiation of exposure showed no statistically significant differences from controls for body mass, spleen cell density, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, methemoglobin, erythrocyte fragility, bilirubin, creatinine, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, sodium, potassium, and spleen cell chemiluminescence. Splenic mass differences were statistically significant (p less than 0.05) only on Day 22. Spleen to body mass ratios differed significantly between exposed and control groups on Days 22 and 39 (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.025, respectively). Histologic examination of the rats revealed the successive accumulation of phagocytic cells, lymphoid proliferation, development of lesions, and tissue necrosis characteristic of respiratory mycoplasmosis. In a followup experiment, a separate set of rats was exposed for 6 weeks to identical levels of RFR. No significant differences were found in splenic parameters and spleen cell peroxidative activity. Histologic examination of these animals revealed no evidence of mycoplasma infection. The observed differences between exposed and control animals of the first experiment appear to have resulted from subclinical respiratory mycoplasmosis rather than exposure to RFR.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2006

Microwave exposure of neuronal cells in vitro: Study of apoptosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate microwave (MW) effects on neuronal apoptosis in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y were exposed to a 900 MHz global system for mobile communication (GSM) or continuous-wave (CW) radiofrequency fields for 24 h in a wire-patch cell. The specific absorption rates (SAR) used were 2 W/kg for CW and 0.25 W/kg average for GSM. During CW exposure, an increase of 2 degrees C was measured, and controls with cells exposed to 39 degrees C were then performed. Apoptosis rate was assessed immediately or 24 h after exposure using three methods: (i) 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining; (ii) flow cytometry using double staining with TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and propidium iodide (PI); and (iii) measurement of caspase-3 activity by fluorimetry. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in the apoptosis rate was observed between sham and 24 h MW-exposed cells, either GSM-900 at an average SAR of 0.25 W/kg, or CW 900 MHz at a SAR of 2 W/kg, either 0 h or 24 h post-exposure. Furthermore, for CW-exposure, apoptosis rates were comparable between sham-, CW-, 37 degrees C- and 39 degrees C-exposed cells. All three methods used to assess apoptosis were concordant. CONCLUSION: These results showed that, under the conditions of the present experiment, MW-exposure (either CW or GSM-900) does not significantly increase the apoptosis rate in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2002

DNA damage and micronucleus induction in human leukocytes after acute in vitro exposure to a 1.9 GHz continuous-wave radiofrequency field.

Human blood cultures were exposed to a 1.9 GHz continuous-wave (CW) radiofrequency (RF) field for 2 h using a series of six circularly polarized, cylindrical waveguides. Mean specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0.0, 0.1, 0.26, 0.92, 2.4 and 10 W/kg were achieved, and the temperature within the cultures during a 2-h exposure was maintained at 37.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Concurrent negative (incubator) and positive (1.5 Gy (137)Cs gamma radiation) control cultures were run for each experiment. DNA damage was quantified immediately after RF-field exposure using the alkaline comet assay, and four parameters (tail ratio, tail moment, comet length and tail length) were used to assess DNA damage for each comet. No evidence of increased primary DNA damage was detected by any parameter for RF-field-exposed cultures at any SAR tested. The formation of micronuclei in the RF-field-exposed blood cell cultures was assessed using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. There was no significant difference in the binucleated cell frequency, incidence of micronucleated binucleated cells, or total incidence of micronuclei between any of the RF-field-exposed cultures and the sham-exposed controls at any SAR tested. These results do not support the hypothesis that acute, nonthermalizing 1.9 GHz CW RF-field exposure causes DNA damage in cultured human leukocytes.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Ocular effects of radiofrequency energy.

Radiofrequency (RF) energy has been reported to cause a variety of ocular effects, primarily cataracts but also effects on the retina, cornea, and other ocular systems. Cataracts have been observed in experimental animals when one eye was exposed to a localized, very high RF field and the other eye was the unexposed control. The results show that 2450 MHz exposures for >or=30 min at power densities causing extremely high dose rates (>or=150 W/kg) and temperatures (>or=41 degrees C) in or near the lens caused cataracts in the rabbit eye. However, cataracts were not observed in the monkey eye exposed to similar exposure conditions, reflecting the different patterns of energy absorption (SAR, specific absorption rate) distribution, due to their different facial structure. Since the monkey head is similar in structure to the human head, the nonhuman primate study showed that the incident power density levels causing cataracts in rabbits and other laboratory animals cannot be directly extrapolated to primates, including human beings. It is reasonable to assume that an SAR that would induce temperatures >or=41 degrees C in or near the lens in the human eye would produce cataracts by the same mechanism (heating) that caused cataracts in the rabbit lens; however, such an exposure would greatly exceed the currently allowable limits for human exposure and would be expected to cause unacceptable effects in other parts of the eye and face. Other ocular effects including corneal lesions, retinal effects, and changes in vascular permeability, have been observed after localized exposure of the eye of laboratory animals to both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave (PW) exposures, but the inconsistencies in these results, the failure to independently confirm corneal lesions after CW exposure, the failure to independently confirm retinal effects after PW exposure, and the absence of functional changes in vision are reasons why these ocular effects are not useful in defining an adverse effect level for RF exposure. While cataracts develop after localized exposure of the eye at SARs >or= 150 W/kg, whole body exposure at much lower levels (14-42 W/kg) is lethal to rabbits. Two studies reported cataracts in this animal after 30 daily exposures at SARs at the upper end of the lethal range, e.g., 38-42 W/kg; however, long term exposure of rabbits (23 h/day, 6 months) at 1.5 W/kg (17 W/kg in the rabbit head) did not cause cataracts or other ocular effects. A long term (1-4 years) investigation of monkeys exposed at high SARs (20 and 40 W/kg to the monkey face) found no cataracts or other ocular effects or change in visual capability. The results of these long term studies support the conclusion that clinically significant ocular effects, including cataracts, have not been confirmed in human populations exposed for long periods of time to low level RF energy. The results of four recent human studies show that there is no clear evidence of an association between RF exposure and ocular cancer.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effect of a 915-MHz simulated mobile phone signal on cognitive function in man.

PURPOSE: To examine whether a simulated mobile telephone transmission at 915 MHz has an effect on cognitive function in man. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six subjects in two groups were each given two training sessions and then three test sessions in a randomized three-way cross-over design. About 1 W mean power at 915 MHz from a quarter-wave antenna mounted on a physical copy of an analogue phone, as a sine wave, or modulated at 217 Hz with 12.5% duty cycle, or no power, was applied to the left squamous temple region of the subjects while they undertook a series of cognitive function tests lasting approximately 25-30 min. The second group was investigated for sleep, consumption of alcohol and beverages, and any other substances that might affect performance. RESULTS: In both groups, the only test affected was the choice reaction time and this showed as an increase in speed (a decrease in reaction time). There were no changes in word, number or picture recall, or in spatial memory. While an effect of visit-order was evident suggesting a learning effect of repeat tests, the design of the study allowed for this. Additionally, there was no systematic error introduced as a result of consumption of substances or sleep time. CONCLUSIONS: There was evidence of an increase in responsiveness, strongly in the analogue and less in the digital simulation, in choice reaction time. This could be associated with an effect on the angular gyrus that acts as an interface between the visual and speech centres and which lies directly under and on the same side as the antenna. Such an effect could be consistent with mild localized heating, or possibly a non-thermal response, which is nevertheless power-dependent.

Absorption↗
PubMed1991

Orthogonal electrode catheter array for mapping of endocardial focal site of ventricular activation.

Precise location of the endocardial site of origin of ventricular tachycardia may facilitate surgical and catheter ablation of this arrhythmia. The endocardial catheter mapping technique can locate the site of ventricular tachycardia within 4-8 cm2 of the earliest site recorded by the catheter. This report describes an orthogonal electrode catheter array (OECA) for mapping and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of endocardial focal site of origin of a plunge electrode paced model of ventricular activation in dogs. The OECA is an 8 F five pole catheter with four peripheral electrodes and one central electrode (total surface area 0.8 cm2. In eight mongrel dogs, mapping was performed by arbitrarily dividing the left ventricle (LV) into four segments. Each segment was mapped with OECA to find the earliest segment. Bipolar and unipolar electrograms were obtained. The plunge electrode (not visible on fluoroscopy) site was identified by the earliest wave front arrival times of -30 msec or earlier at two or more electrodes (unipolar electrograms) with reference to the earliest recorded surface ECG (I, AVF, and V1). Validation of the proximity of the five electrodes of the OECA to the plunge electrode was performed by digital radiography and RFA. Pathological examination was performed to document the proximity of the OECA to the plunge electrode and also for the width, depth, and microscopic changes of the ablation. To find the segment with the earliest LV activation a total of 10 +/- 3 (mean +/- SD) positions were mapped. Mean arrival times at the two earlier electrodes were -39 +/- 4 msec and -35 +/- 3 msec. Digital radiography showed the plunge electrode to be within the area covered by all five electrodes in all eight dogs. The plunge electrode was within 1 cm2 area of the region of RFA in all eight dogs. The width and depth of ablation were 5 +/- 3.5 and 7 +/- 3.5 mm, respectively. Microscopic changes revealed coagulative necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammatory changes in all RFAs. In conclusion, the OECA can map the endocardial focal site of origin of paced ventricular activation within 1 cm2 area in a canine model. RFA from the OECA can cause discrete ablations representing all five electrodes or cross-shaped ablation connecting central electrode to all four peripheral electrodes. This catheter holds promise for extending surgical and clinical catheter ablation procedures.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of parameters of oxidative stress after in vitro exposure to FMCW- and CDMA-modulated radiofrequency radiation fields.

The goal of this study was to determine whether radiofrequency (RF) radiation is capable of inducing oxidative stress or affecting the response to oxidative stress in cultured mammalian cells. The two types of RF radiation investigated were frequency-modulated continuous-wave with a carrier frequency of 835.62 MHz (FMCW) and code division multiple access centered on 847.74 MHz (CDMA). To evaluate the effect of RF radiation on oxidative stress, J774.16 mouse macrophage cells were stimulated with gamma-interferon (IFN) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prior to exposure. Cell cultures were exposed for 20-22 h to a specific absorption rate of 0.8 W/kg at a temperature of 37.0 +/- 0.3 degrees C. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring oxidant levels, antioxidant levels, oxidative damage and nitric oxide production. Oxidation of thiols was measured by monitoring the accumulation of glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Cellular antioxidant defenses were evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase activity (CuZnSOD and MnSOD) as well as catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity. The trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used to measure any changes in viability. The results of these studies indicated that FMCW- and CDMA-modulated RF radiation did not alter parameters indicative of oxidative stress in J774.16 cells. FMCW- and CDMA-modulated fields did not alter the level of intracellular oxidants, accumulation of GSSG or induction of antioxidant defenses in IFN/LPS-stimulated cells. Consistent with the lack of an effect on oxidative stress parameters, no change in toxicity was observed in J774.16 cells after either optimal (with or without inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase) or suboptimal stimulation.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Effects of low intensity radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on electrical activity in rat hippocampal slices.

Slices of rat hippocampus were exposed to 700 MHz continuous wave radiofrequency (RF) fields (25.2-71.0 V m(-1), 5-15 min exposure) in a stripline waveguide. At low field intensities, the predominant effect on the electrically evoked field potential in CA1 was a potentiation of the amplitude of the population spike by up to 20%, but higher intensity fields could produce either increases or decreases of up to 120 and 80%, respectively, in the amplitude of the population spike. To eliminate the possibility of RF-induced artefacts due to the metal stimulating electrode, the effect of RF exposure on spontaneous epileptiform activity induced in CA3 by 4-aminopyridine (50-100 microM) was investigated. Exposure to RF fields (50.0 V m(-1)) reduced or abolished epileptiform bursting in 36% of slices tested. The maximum field intensity used in these experiments, 71.0 V m(-1), was calculated to produce a specific absorption rate (SAR) of between 0.0016 and 0.0044 W kg(-1) in the slices. Measurements with a Luxtron fibreoptic probe confirmed that there was no detectable temperature change (+/- 0.1 degrees C) during a 15 min exposure to this field intensity. Furthermore, imposed temperature changes of up to 1 degrees C failed to mimic the effects of RF exposure. These results suggest that low-intensity RF fields can modulate the excitability of hippocampal tissue in vitro in the absence of gross thermal effects. The changes in excitability may be consistent with reported behavioural effects of RF fields.

Action Potentials↗