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Effects of microwaves and hyperthermia on capping of antigen-antibody complexes on the surface of normal mouse B lymphocytes.

Normal mouse B lymphocytes were tested for the ability to cap plasma membrane antigen-antibody complexes following exposure to 2.45-GHz continuous wave (CW) microwaves at power densities up to 100 mW/cm2 (45 W/kg specific absorption rate), at 37, 41, and 42.5 degrees C. After a 30-minute treatment, the irradiated cells and the nonirradiated controls were tested for capping by the direct immunofluorescence technique. First, the cells were incubated for nine minutes at 37 degrees C with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated goat antimouse immunoglobulin. After fixing and washing, the percentage of capped cells was determined under a fluorescence microscope. The results show that for the nonirradiated controls, capping is reduced from 90% at 37 degrees C, to 52% at 41 degrees C, to less than 5% for cells that were pretreated at 42.5 degrees C. There was no significant difference between the microwave-treated cells and the controls when both were maintained at the same temperature. In another experiment, there was no significant difference in the percentage of capping between controls and cells that were exposed to microwave radiation during capping, when the temperature in both preparations was kept at 38.5 degrees C. The results demonstrate that B-lymphocyte capping is sensitive to temperature in the range that is proposed for use in tumor therapy.

Animals↗

Psychoactive-drug response is affected by acute low-level microwave irradiation.

The effects of various psychoactive drugs were studied in rats exposed for 45 min in a circularly polarized, pulsed microwave field (2450 MHz; SAR 0.6 W/kg; 2-microseconds pulses, 500 pps). Apomorphine-induced hypothermia and stereotypy were enhanced by irradiation. Amphetamine-induced hyperthermia was attenuated while stereotypy was unaffected. Morphine-induced catalepsy and lethality were enhanced by irradiation at certain dosages of the drug. Since these drugs have different modes of action on central neural mechanisms and the effects of microwaves depend on the particular drug studied, these results show the complex nature of the effect of microwave irradiation on brain functions.

Amphetamines↗

Minimal changes in hypothalamic temperature accompany microwave-induced alteration of thermoregulatory behavior.

This study probed the mechanisms underlying microwave-induced alterations of thermoregulatory behavior. Adult male squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), trained to regulate the temperature of their immediate environment (Ta) behaviorally, were chronically implanted with Teflon reentrant tubes in the medical preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area (PO/AH), the brainstem region considered to control normal thermoregulatory processes. A Vitek temperature probe inserted into the tube measured PO/AH temperature continuously while changes in thermoregulatory behavior were induced by either brief (10-min) or prolonged (2.5-h) unilateral exposures to planewave 2,450-MHz continuous wave (CW) microwaves (E polarization). Power densities explored ranged from 4 to 20 mW/cm2 (rate of energy absorption [SAR] = 0.05 [W/kg]/cm2]). Rectal temperature and four representative skin temperatures were also monitored, as was the Ta selected by the animal. When the power density was high enough to induce a monkey to select a cooler Ta (8 mW/cm2 and above), PO/AH temperature rose approximately 0.3 degrees C but seldom more. Lower power densities usually produced smaller increases in PO/AH temperature and no reliable change in thermoregulatory behavior. Rectal temperature remained constant while PO/AH temperature rose only 0.2-0.3 degrees C during 2.5-h exposures at 20 mW/cm2 because the Ta selected was 2-3 degrees C cooler than normally preferred. Sometimes PO/AH temperature increments greater than 0.3 degrees C were recorded, but they always accompanied inadequate thermoregulatory behavior. Thus, a PO/AH temperature rise of 0.2-0.3 degrees C, accompanying microwave exposure, appears to be necessary and sufficient to alter thermoregulatory behavior, which ensures in turn that no greater temperature excursions occur in this hypothalamic thermoregulatory center.

Animals↗

Ethanol-induced hypothermia and ethanol consumption in the rat are affected by low-level microwave irradiation.

Microwave irradiation of rats by circularly polarized, 2,450-MHz, pulsed waves (2-microseconds pulses; 500 pps) was performed in waveguides to determine effects on ethanol-induced hypothermia and on ethanol consumption. Rats injected intraperitoneally with ethanol (3 g/kg in a 25% v/v water solution) immediately after 45 min of microwave irradiation exhibited attenuation of the initial rate of fall in body temperature, which was elicited by the ethanol, but exhibited no significant difference in maximal hypothermia as compared with that of sham-irradiated rats. Microwave irradiation did not affect the consumption of a 10% sucrose (w/v) solution by water-deprived rats. However, it enhanced the consumption of a solution of 10% sucrose (w/v) + 15% ethanol (v/v) by water-deprived animals. These results were obtained at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.6 W/kg, which rate of energy dosing would require a power density of 3-6 mW/cm2 if exposure of the animals had occurred to a 12-cm plane wave.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Active microwave tomographic imaging of isolated, perfused animal organs.

The relative transparency of biological materials to high-frequency electromagnetic waves has encouraged the development of new systems for imaging. This report describes experiments of microwave tomography conducted on a prototype. The object to be analyzed is submerged in water and is illuminated by a plane wave. The total electric field is analyzed by a microwave camera. The recorded data are then processed numerically in order to reconstruct the image that corresponds to the distribution of equivalent currents in a defined plane of a section. Experiments have been conducted on isolated kidneys with and without perfusion. The influence of the perfusing solution temperature has also been studied. These experiments show the potential of this system, especially through the correlation between microwave images and the biological structures. They also confirm previous results concerning spatial resolution and depth of exploration. Finally, the results demonstrate the influence of temperature and support the applicability of this imaging system in non-invasive thermometry, especially for clinical hyperthermia.

Animals↗

Circulating antibody response of mice exposed to 9-GHz pulsed microwave radiation.

Female CD-1 mice immunized against the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae type III were exposed to 9-GHz pulsed microwaves (pulse repetition rate 970-1,000, pulse width 1.0 microseconds, peak power 1 W/cm2) at an average incident power density of 1 mW/cm2 (calculated SAR congruent to 0.47 W/kg) for 2 h per day for 5 days. Circulating antibody titers for the microwave-exposed animals were not significantly different from those of the sham-irradiated animals, and there were no differences in any of the hematological parameters analyzed, indicating that 9-GHz pulsed microwaves at 1 mW/cm2 do not alter the immune response of mice immunized against S pneumoniae.

Animals↗

Cardiovascular, hematologic, and biochemical effects of acute ventral exposure of conscious rats to 2450-MHz (CW) microwave radiation.

In this study the influence of acute (6 hr) exposure to 2450 MHz (CW) microwave radiation on certain cardiovascular, biochemical, and hematologic indices was examined in unanesthetized rats. Under methoxyflurane anesthesia, a catheter was inserted into the right femoral artery, which was used for monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sampling. Colonic temperature was monitored via a VITEK thermistor probe inserted rectally to a depth of 5 cm. The rat was subsequently placed into a ventilated restraining cage which was located inside an anechoic chamber. The temperature and humidity in the chamber were maintained at 22 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 60 +/- 5% (means +/- S.E.), respectively, during the experimental period. Rats (60) were exposed to either 0 (sham) or 10 mW/cm2 (exposed) for 6 hr. During exposure rats were oriented perpendicular to the E-field, and the measured specific absorption rate (SAR) was 3.7 mW/g. In the sham and exposed rats, the preexposure (time 0) mean +/- S.E. arterial blood pressure (MABP), heart rate, and colonic temperature were approximately 120 +/- 5 mmHg, 450 +/- 10 beats/min, and 37.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C, respectively. In the sham-exposed rats these values remained stable throughout the 6-hr exposure period. In the exposed rats, no effects were noted on MABP or colonic temperature; however after 1 hr of exposure, a significant reduction in heart rate was noted (450 versus 400 beats/min). This decrease in heart rate persisted throughout the remainder of the exposure period. None of the hematologic or biochemical parameters examined were affected by the microwave exposure. Although other mechanisms may be responsible, this decrease in heart rate may have been due to subtle cardiovascular adjustments because of microwave-induced heating with a resultant reduction in resting metabolic rate.

Animals↗

Interaction of ethanol and microwaves on the blood-brain barrier of rats.

The combined effects of ethanol and microwaves on the permeation of Evans blue dye through the mammalian blood-brain barrier was studied in male Wistar rats. Anesthetized rats were infused through a cannula in the left femoral vein with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 grams of absolute ethanol per kilogram of body mass. A control group was given 0.7 g/kg of isotonic saline. The left hemisphere of the brain was irradiated by 3.15-GHz microwave energy at 3.0 W/cm2 rms for 15 min. The rat's rectal temperature was maintained at 37.0 degrees C. Immediately after irradiation, 2% Evans blue dye in saline (2.0 ml/kg body mass) was injected through the cannula. The results show that as the quantity of alcohol was increased, the degree of staining was decreased or eliminated. The temperature of the irradiated area of the brain increased for the first 4 to 5 minutes of irradiation and then stabilized for the remainder of the irradiation period. The steady-state temperature was highest in animals receiving saline or the smallest dose of alcohol. As the quantity of alcohol was increased, the steady-state temperature was reduced. These results indicate that ethanol inhibits microwave-induced permeation of the blood-brain barrier through reduced heating of the brain.

Animals↗

Absorption of microwave radiation by the anesthetized rat: electromagnetic and thermal hotspots in body and tail.

Anatomic variability in the deposition of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in mammals has been well documented. A recent study [D'Andrea et al., 1985] reported specific absorption rate (SAR) hotspots in the brain, rectum and tail of rat carcasses exposed to 360- and to 2,450-MHz microwave radiation. Regions of intense energy absorption are generally thought to be of little consequence when predicting thermal effects of microwave irradiation because it is presumed that heat transfer via the circulatory system promptly redistributes localized heat to equilibrate tissue temperature within the body. Experiments on anesthetized, male Long-Evans rats (200-260 g) irradiated for 10 or 16 min with 2,450, 700, or 360 MHz radiation at SARs of 2 W/kg, 6 W/kg, or 10 W/kg indicated that postirradiation localized temperatures in regions previously shown to exhibit high SARs were appreciably above temperatures at body sites with lower SARs. The postirradiation temperatures in the rectum and tail were significantly higher in rats irradiated at 360 MHz and higher in the tail at 2,450 MHz than temperatures resulting from exposure to 700 MHz. This effect was found for whole-body-averaged SARs as low as 6 W/kg at 360 MHz and 10 W/kg at 2,450 MHz. In contrast, brain temperatures in the anesthetized rats were not different from those measured in the rest of the body following microwave exposure.

Animals↗

Microwave-induced thermoelastic pressure wave propagation in the cat brain.

This paper presents direct measurements of acoustic pressure wave propagation in cat brains irradiated with pulsed 2.45-GHz microwaves. Short rectangular microwave pulses (2 microseconds, 15 kW peak power) were applied singly through a direct-contact applicator located at the occipital pole of a cat's head. Acoustic pressure waves were detected by using a small hydrophone transducer, which was inserted stereotaxically into the brain of an anesthetized animal through a matrix of holes drilled on the skull. The measurements clearly indicate that pulsed microwaves induce acoustic pressure waves which propagate with an acoustic wave velocity of 1523 m/s.

Acoustics↗

Microwave effect on camphor binding to rat olfactory epithelium.

Microwave radiation decreased specific camphor binding to a membrane fraction of rat epithelium but not to a Triton X-100 extract of this fraction. Inhibition of the ligand binding did not depend on the modulation frequency of the microwave field in the region 1-100 Hz and was not a linear function of specific absorption rate (SAR). The decreased ligand binding was due to a shedding or release of the specific camphor-binding protein from the membrane into solution. It is highly probable that several other membrane proteins may be shed into solution during microwave exposure.

Animals↗

Microwave irradiation of rats at 2.45 GHz activates pinocytotic-like uptake of tracer by capillary endothelial cells of cerebral cortex.

Far-field exposures of male albino rats to 2.45-GHz microwaves (10-microseconds pulses, 100 pps) at a low average power density (10 mW/cm2; SAR approximately 2 W/kg) and short durations (30-120 min) resulted in increased uptakes of tracer through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The uptake of systemically administered rhodamine-ferritin complex by capillary endothelial cells (CECs) of the cerebral cortex was dependent on power density and on duration of exposure. At 5 mW/cm2, for example, a 15-min exposure had no effect. Near-complete blockade of uptake resulted when rats were treated before exposure to microwaves with a single dose of colchicine, which inhibits microtubular function. A pinocytotic-like mechanism is presumed responsible for the microwave-induced increase in BBB permeability.

Animals↗

Antibody responses of mice exposed to low-power microwaves under combined, pulse-and-amplitude modulation.

Irradiation by pulsed microwaves (9.4 GHz, 1 microsecond pulses at 1,000/s), both with and without concurrent amplitude modulation (AM) by a sinusoid at discrete frequencies between 14 and 41 MHz, was assessed for effects on the immune system of Balb/C mice. The mice were immunized either by sheep red blood cells (SRBC) or by glutaric-anhydride conjugated bovine serum albumin (GA-BSA), then exposed to the microwaves at a low rms power density (30 microW/cm2; whole-body-averaged SAR approximately 0.015 W/kg). Sham exposure or microwave irradiation took place during each of five contiguous days, 10 h/day. The antibody response was evaluated by the plaque-forming cell assay (SRBC experiment) or by the titration of IgM and IgG antibodies (GA-BSA experiment). In the absence of AM, the pulsed field did not greatly alter immune responsiveness. In contrast, exposure to the field under the combined-modulation condition resulted in significant, AM-frequency-dependent augmentation or weakening of immune responses.

Animals↗

Microwave-specific heating affects gene expression.

The effects of low-level microwave radiation on gene expression in Escherichia coli have been examined in a sensitive model. We confirm the previously reported existence of an increase in beta-galactosidase expression by microwave radiation--an increase not duplicated by bulk heating. However, the effect was not frequency dependent and appeared to be due to heating effects peculiar to microwaves. These results indicate that small thermal gradients may be a source of biological effects of non-ionizing radiation.

Escherichia coli↗

Modification of membrane fluidity in melanin-containing cells by low-level microwave radiation.

The treatment of a B16 melanoma cell line with 2.45-GHz pulsed microwaves (10 mW/cm2, 10-microseconds pulses at 100 pps, 1-h exposure; SAR, 0.2 W/kg) resulted in changes of membrane ordering as measured by EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) reporter techniques. The changes reflected a shift from a more fluid-like phase to a more solid (ordered) state of the cell membrane. Exposure of artificially prepared liposomes that were reconstituted with melanin produced similar results. In contrast, neither B16 melanoma cells treated with 5-Bromo-2-Deoxyuridine (3 micrograms/day x 7 days) to render them amelanotic, nor liposomes prepared without melanin, exhibited the microwave-facilitated increase of ordering. Inhibition of the ordering was achieved by the use of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which strongly implicates oxygen radicals as a cause of the membrane changes. The data indicate that a significant, specific alteration of cell-membrane ordering followed microwave exposure. This alteration was unique to melanotic membranes and was due, at least in part, to the generation of oxygen radicals.

Animals↗

Modification of acoustic startle by microwave pulses in the rat: a preliminary report.

Single, 1.25-GHz microwave pulses of 0.8- to 1.0-microseconds duration were presented to each of four rats 100 ms before presentation of a startle-inducing acoustic stimulus. This sequential pairing of microwave pulse and acoustic stimulus was found to modify the startle response. At an energy dose to the head of 22-43 mJ/kg per pulse (peak SAR, 23-48 kW/kg), the mean latency to the startle response was longer and the mean amplitude of the response was smaller with respect to control responses that occurred to acoustic stimuli alone. However, at a higher energy dose per microwave pulse in the range of 59-107 mJ/kg (peak SAR, 63-111 kW/kg), the mean latency and amplitude of the startle response were not statistically different from the respective means of control responses.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Microwave radiometry in biomedicine: a reappraisal.

Nearly 20 years ago the first papers appeared on biomedical applications of microwave radiometry, and many other papers have since appeared. Yet, despite its unique capabilities, microwave radiometry has so far received only limited acceptance by the medical community, and little commercial success. The chief reasons, we suggest, are the shallow depth of sensing and the difficulty of extracting imaging information from radiometry signals emitted by electrically heterogeneous media. A secondary factor has been the difficulty of validating many proposed clinical applications for the method--in particular, cancer detection. We suggest that microwave radiometry is a viable method of thermal sensing, but its successful applications are likely to be quite different than those that were originally conceived for the technique.

Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materi↗

Inter-beat intervals of cardiac-cell aggregates during exposure to 2.45 GHz CW, pulsed, and square-wave-modulated microwaves.

Inter-beat intervals of aggregated cardiac cells from chicken embryos were studied during 190 s exposures to 2.45 GHz microwaves in an open-ended coaxial device. Averaged specific-absorption rates (SARs) and modulation conditions were 1.2-86.9 W/kg continuous-wave (CW), 1.2-12.2 W/kg pulse modulation (PW, duty cycle approximately 11%), and 12.0-43.5 W/kg square-wave modulation (duty cycle = 50%). The inter-beat interval decreased during microwave exposures at 42.0 W/kg and higher when CW or square-wave modulation was used, which is consistent with established effects of elevated temperatures. However, increases in the inter-beat interval during CW exposures at 1.2-12.2 W/kg, and decreases in the inter-beat interval after PW exposures at 8.4-12.2 W/kg, are not consistent with simple thermal effects. Analysis of variance indicated that SAR, modulation, and the modulation-SAR interaction were all significant factors in altering the inter-beat interval. The latter two factors indicated that the cardiac cells were affected by athermal as well as thermal effects of microwave exposure.

Animals↗