Reduction in metabolic heat production during exposure to radio-frequency radiation in the rat

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6320790

Gordon, C J

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of the rat to reduce metabolic rate when exposed to deep-penetrating radio-frequency (RF) radiation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 10 degrees C and exposed to 600-MHz radiation while metabolic rate (MR) was measured by indirect calorimetry. RF radiation exposures were made in a waveguide-type system that permitted the continuous control of specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR's of 2-5 W/kg led to significant reductions in MR when averaged from 30 to 60 min after the initiation of RF radiation exposure. The total decrease in MR during RF radiation exposure accounted for approximately 37% of the total RF heat load. Exposure of another group of rats to the same SAR's at a Ta of 10 degrees C resulted in a significant elevation in colonic temperature. Thus, despite the decrease in MR, heat gain still exceeded heat loss during RF radiation exposure, with a resultant elevation in deep body temperature. In conclusion, in a cold environment the rat exposed to RF radiation decreases its MR. However, the response time and efficiency of the response is not adequate to prevent an increase in body temperature.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC
• OSTI ID: 6320790
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 62:5; 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.
ABSORPTION
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY TEMPERATURE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
MAMMALS
METABOLISM
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
RATS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES