Thermoregulatory responses of the immature rat following repeated postnatal exposures to 2450-MHz microwaves

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.2250080307· OSTI ID:5832315

Spiers, D E; Adair, E R

This study was designed to determine the changes that occur in the thermoregulatory ability of the immature rat repeatedly exposed to low-level microwave radiation. Beginning at 6-7 days of age, previously untreated rats were exposed to 2450-MHz continuous-wave microwaves at a power density of 5 mW/cm/sup 2/ for 10 days (4 h/day). Microwave and sham (control) exposures were conducted at ambient temperatures (Ta) which represent different levels of cold stress for the immature rat (ie, exposure Ta = 20 and 30/sup 0/C). Physiological tests were conducted at 5-6 and 16-17 days of age, in the absence of microwaves, to determine pre- and postexposure responses, respectively. Measurements of metabolic rate, colonic temperature, and tail skin temperature were made at test Ta = 25.0, 30.0, 32.5, and 35.0/sup 0/C. Mean growth rates were lower for rats exposed to Ta = 20/sup 0/C than for those exposed to Ta = 30/sup 0/C, but microwave exposure exerted no effect at either exposure Ta. Metabolic rates and body temperatures of all exposure groups were similar to values for untreated animals at test Ta of 32.5/sup 0/C and 35.0 degrees C. Colonic temperatures of rats repeatedly exposed to sham or microwave conditions at exposure Ta = 20/sup 0/C or to sham conditions at exposure Ta = 30 degrees C were approximately 1/sup 0/C below the level for untreated animals at test Ta of 25.0/sup 0/C and 30.0/sup 0/C. However, when the exposure Ta was warmer, rats exhibited a higher colonic temperature at these cold test Ta, indicating that the effectiveness of low-level microwave treatment to alter thermoregulatory responses depends on the magnitude of the cold stress.

• Research Organization: John B. Pierce Foundation Lab., New Haven, CT
• OSTI ID: 5832315
• Journal Information: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: Bioelectromagnetics (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 8:3; ISSN BLCTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE DEPENDENCE
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BODY TEMPERATURE
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
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