Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 48, Issue 6 927-932, Copyright © 1980 by American Physiological Society
Delineating acute neuroendocrine responses in microwave-exposed rats
S. T. Lu, N. Lebda, S. Pettit and S. M. Michaelson
One hundred and eighteen male rats (Long-Evans) were acclimated to
experimental procedures (i.e., handling, transferring from and back to
"home" cage, body weight and colonic temperature determinations) for 2 wk
and then subjected to cage confinement for 3 days before microwave (MW)
exposure to 2,450 MHz for 1-, h, at 1-70 mW.cm-2 or sham exposure at
ambient temperature of 24 +/- 1 degree C. Colonic temperature increased
after exposure to power densities greater than or equal to 20 mW.cm-2 and
was the most sensitive parameter measured. Inverse relationships between
corticosterone and thyrotropin or growth hormone were noted after exposure
for 1 h at 50 mW.cm-2 and above. Pituitary-thyroid function was inhibited
after exposure to 20 mW.cm-2 for 2-8 h. Changes in other hormones were
transient or inconsistent. Corticosterone, thyrotropin, and growth hormone
levels could be correlated with power density or colonic temperature in
rats exposed to MW for 1 h; corticosterone and thyrotropin levles
correlated with colonic temperatures in shams. Body temperature influences
adenohypophysial hormones in studies of MW biological effects.
