The Effect of 1.6 GHz Radiation on Neurotransmitters in Discrete Areas of the Rat Brain.

Abstract : Rats were exposed to 1.6 GHz radiation at a measured power density of 80 mW/sq cm for 10 minutes. Rectal temperature rise was 4 deg c. Hyperthermal control rats were exposed to warm air environment to raise core temperature 4 deg c. Hypothalamic norepinephrine was decreased in the irradiated and hyperthermal animals compared to the normothermal controls. Hippocampal serotonin was decreased in the irradiated but not in the hyperthermal animals as was the dopamine content of the corpus striatum and hypothalamus. The changes noted fit well with power distribution determined by thermographic imagery of irradiated rats, and indicate that these changes are the result of the microwave-induced hyperthermia. (Author)