Effects of hypophysectomy and dexamethasone on rat adrenal response to microwaves

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6290322

Lotz, W G; Michaelson, S M

Circulating corticosterone levels were measured to compare the adrenocortical response to acute microwave exposure of normal, hypophysectomized, or sham-hypophysectomized rats. Plasma corticosterone levels in acutely hypophysectomized rats exposed to 60 mW/cm/sup 2/ for 60 min were below control levels, indicating that the microwave-induced corticosterone response observed in normal, intact rats is dependent on ACTH secretion by the pituitary. In other groups of rats pretreated with dexamethasone before being exposed to microwaves for 60 min, the corticosterone response to a 50-mW/cm/sup 2/ exposure was completely suppressed by doses equal to or greater than 3.2 micrograms dexamethasone/100 g body weight. However, the corticosterone response to a 70-mW/cm/sup 2/ exposure was only partially suppressed by prior administration of 3.2 or 5.6 micrograms dexamethasone/100 g BW. The evidence obtained in these experiments, in conjunction with the results of other experiments previously reported, is consistent with the hypothesis that the stimulation of the adrenal axis in the microwave-exposed rat is a systemic, integrative process due to a general hyperthermia.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, NY
• OSTI ID: 6290322
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 47:6; ISSN JAPYA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ADRENAL GLANDS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
DRUGS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
GLANDS
MICROWAVE RADIATION
ORGANS
PITUITARY GLAND
RADIATIONS
SENSITIVITY