Physiologic aspects of microwave irradiation of mammals

¹ The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Radiation Biology, Rochester, New York

Dogs, rabbits, and rats exposed under controlled conditions to pulsed 2800 Mcycle/sec microwave (radar) radiation display characteristic physiologic responses, some of which are related to heating of superficial tissues. Specific changes in leukocyte levels occur which are independent of hematocrit or temperature increase. Postexposure lymphocytopenia and eosinopenia appear related to duration of exposure. Anesthetization of the dog results in an increased thermal susceptibility which is not evident in the rabbit or rat. Consumption of water during exposure depresses the thermal response. Exposure at increased ambient temperature results in a synergism of thermal effect reducing the tolerance to microwaves. Vasomotor integrity appears to be a critical factor in regulating the thermal response to microwaves. No specific long-term effects such as cataracts have been observed in animals held for more than 1 yr postexposure.