Studies on microwave and blood-brain barrier interaction

Temperature Dynamics in Rat Brains Exposed to Near-Field Waveguide Outputs at 2.8 GHz

Biological effects in the microwave band of the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum are thermally mediated. For acute high-power microwave exposures, these effects will depend on transient time-temperature histories within the tissue. In this article, we summarize the transient temperature response of rats exposed to RF energy emanating from an open-ended rectangular waveguide. These exposures produced specific absorption rates of approximately 36 and 203 W/kg in the whole body and brain, respectively. We then use the experimentally measured thermal data to infer the baseline perfusion rate in the brain and modify a custom thermal modeling tool based upon these findings. Finally, we compare multi-physics simulations of rat brain temperature against empirical measurements in both live and euthanized subjects and find close agreement between model and experimentation. This research revealed that baseline brain perfusion rates in rat subjects could be larger than previously assumed in the RF thermal modeling literature, and plays a significant role in the transient thermal response to high-power microwave exposures. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Establishment of injury models in studies of biological effects induced by microwave radiation

Microwave radiation has been widely used in various fields, such as communication, industry, medical treatment, and military applications. Microwave radiation may cause injuries to both the structures and functions of various organs, such as the brain, heart, reproductive organs, and endocrine organs, which endanger human health. Therefore, it is both theoretically and clinically important to conduct studies on the biological effects induced by microwave radiation. The successful establishment of injury models is of great importance to the reliability and reproducibility of these studies. In this article, we review the microwave exposure conditions, subjects used to establish injury models, the methods used for the assessment of the injuries, and the indicators implemented to evaluate the success of injury model establishment in studies on biological effects induced by microwave radiation.

Repeated exposure to nanosecond high power pulsed microwaves increases cancer incidence in rat

High-power microwaves are used to inhibit electronics of threatening military or civilian vehicles. This work aims to assess health hazards of high-power microwaves and helps to define hazard threshold levels of modulated radiofrequency exposures such as those emitted by the first generations of mobile phones. Rats were exposed to the highest possible field levels, under single acute or repetitive exposures for eight weeks. Intense microwave electric fields at 1 MV m-1 of nanoseconds duration were applied from two sources at different carrier frequencies of 10 and 3.7 GHz. The repetition rate was 100 pps, and the duration of train pulses lasted from 10 s to twice 8 min. The effects on the central nervous system were evaluated, by labelling brain inflammation marker GFAP and by performing different behavioural tests: rotarod, T-maze, beam-walking, open-field, and avoidance test. Long-time survival was measured in animals repeatedly exposed, and anatomopathological analysis was performed on animals sacrificed at two years of life or earlier in case of precocious death. Control groups were sham exposed. Few effects were observed on behaviour. With acute exposure, an avoidance reflex was shown at very high thermal level (22 W kg-1); GFAP was increased some days after exposure. Most importantly, with repeated exposures, survival time was 4-months shorter in the exposed group, with eleven animals exhibiting a large sub-cutaneous tumour, compared to two in the sham group. A residual X-ray exposure was also present in the beam (0.8 Gy), which is probably not a bias for the observed result. High power microwaves below thermal level in average, can increase cancer prevalence and decrease survival time in rats, without clear effects on behaviour. The parameters of this effect need to be further explored, and a more precise dosimetry to be performed.

Local exposure of the rat cortex to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields increases local cerebral blood flow along with temperature

Few studies have shown that local exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF) induces intensity-dependent physiological changes, especially in the brain. The aim of the present study was to detect reproducible responses to local RF exposure in the parietal cortex of anesthetized rats and to determine their dependence on RF intensity. The target cortex tissue was locally exposed to 2-GHz RF using a figure-eight loop antenna within a range of averaged specific absorption rates (10.5, 40.3, 130, and 263 W/kg averaged over 4.04 mg) in the target area. Local cerebral blood flow (CBF) and temperatures in three regions (target area, rectum, and calf hypodermis) were measured using optical fiber blood flow meters and thermometers during RF exposure. All parameters except for the calf hypodermis temperature increased significantly in exposed animals compared with sham-exposed ones during 18-min exposures. Dependence of parameter values on exposure intensity was analyzed using linear regression models. The elevation of local CBF was correlated with temperature rise in both target and rectum at the end of RF exposure. However, the local CBF elevation seemed to be elevated by the rise in target temperature, but not by that of the rectal temperature, in the early part of RF exposure or at low-intensity RF exposure. These findings suggest that local RF exposure of the rat cortex drives a regulation of CBF accompanied by a local temperature rise, and our findings may be helpful for discussing physiological changes in the local cortex region, which is locally exposed to RF.

Radiofrequency-radiation exposure does not induce detectable leakage of albumin across the blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) consists of tight junctions between the endothelial cells that line the capillaries in the central nervous system. This structure protects the brain, and neurological damage could occur if it is compromised. Several publications by researchers at Lund University have reported alterations in the BBB after exposure to low-power 915 MHz energy. These publications increased the level of concern regarding the safety of wireless communication devices such as mobile phones. We performed a confirmation study designed to determine whether the BBB is altered in rats exposed in a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission line cell to 915 MHz energy at parameters similar to those in the Lund University studies. Unanesthetized rats were exposed for 30 min to either continuous-wave or modulated (16 or 217 Hz) 915 MHz energy at power levels resulting in whole-body specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0.0018-20 W/kg. Albumin immunohistochemistry was performed on perfused brain tissue sections to determine the integrity of the BBB. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant increase in albumin extravasation in any of the exposed animals compared to the sham-exposed or home cage control animals.

Radiofrequency and extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field effects on the blood-brain barrier

During the last century, mankind has introduced electricity and during the very last decades, the microwaves of the modern communication society have spread a totally new entity--the radiofrequency fields--around the world. How does this affect biology on Earth? The mammalian brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which prevents harmful substances from reaching the brain tissue. There is evidence that exposure to electromagnetic fields at non thermal levels disrupts this barrier. In this review, the scientific findings in this field are presented. The result is a complex picture, where some studies show effects on the blood-brain barrier, whereas others do not. Possible mechanisms for the interactions between electromagnetic fields and the living organisms are discussed. Demonstrated effects on the blood-brain barrier, as well as a series of other effects upon biology, have caused societal anxiety. Continued research is needed to come to an understanding of how these possible effects can be neutralized, or at least reduced. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that proven effects on biology also should have positive potentials, e.g., for medical use.

The role of autacoids and the autonomic nervous system in cardiovascular responses to radio-frequency energy heating

Among the potential effects of exposure to high levels of radio-frequency energy (RFE) (which includes microwaves), an increase in body temperature is the primary consequence. Release of autacoids and activity of the autonomic nervous system may influence (or be directly responsible for) some of the physiological changes that occur in conjunction with this hyperthermia. The main focus of this review is the interaction of autacoids and the autonomic nervous system with cardiovascular changes during heating. Differences between environmental and RFE-induced heating (such as rate of temperature change and degree of skin vs. core heating) may be important when considering these effects. Antihistamines exhibited no beneficial effect on circulatory collapse during RFE-induced heating. The serotonergic blocker methysergide decreased survival time in rats during terminal RFE exposure, despite no effects on heart rate (HR) or blood pressure. Although blockade of platelet-activating factor resulted in lower HR before RFE exposure, there was a lack of effect on the subsequent increase in HR during heating. Nitric oxide did not contribute to the hypotension that occurs due to rapid heating by RFE exposure. There have been either no or very limited studies of effects of prostaglandins, bradykinin, or angiotensin on RFE-induced heating responses. beta-Adrenoceptor antagonism with propranolol resulted in significantly decreased survival times and lower final colonic temperatures during RFE exposure. A lack of effects of nadolol on survival time and temperature, coupled with its poor ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier, suggests that central beta-adrenergic stimulation rather than peripheral stimulation may alter thermoregulation. Effects of the autonomic nervous system (as studied by adrenoceptor blockade) on potassium changes during heating have not been fully investigated. Such changes could be important in animals' responses to RFE and other modalities of heating, and should be studied in future.

Microwave effects on the nervous system

Studies have evaluated the electroencephalography (EEG) of humans and laboratory animals during and after Radiofrequency (RF) exposures. Effects of RF exposure on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have been generally accepted for exposures that are thermalizing. Low level exposures that report alterations of the BBB remain controversial. Exposure to high levels of RF energy can damage the structure and function of the nervous system. Much research has focused on the neurochemistry of the brain and the reported effects of RF exposure. Research with isolated brain tissue has provided new results that do not seem to rely on thermal mechanisms. Studies of individuals who are reported to be sensitive to electric and magnetic fields are discussed. In this review of the literature, it is difficult to draw conclusions concerning hazards to human health. The many exposure parameters such as frequency, orientation, modulation, power density, and duration of exposure make direct comparison of many experiments difficult. At high exposure power densities, thermal effects are prevalent and can lead to adverse consequences. At lower levels of exposure biological effects may still occur but thermal mechanisms are not ruled out. It is concluded that the diverse methods and experimental designs as well as lack of replication of many seemingly important studies prevents formation of definite conclusions concerning hazardous nervous system health effects from RF exposure. The only firm conclusion that may be drawn is the potential for hazardous thermal consequences of high power RF exposure.

Studies on microwaves in medicine and biology: from snails to humans

This d'Arsonval Medal acceptance presentation highlights several research themes selected from Dr. Lin's published works, focusing on the microwave portion of the nonionizing electromagnetic spectrum. The topics discussed include investigation of microwave effects on the spontaneous action potentials and membrane resistance of isolated snail neurons, effects on the permeability of blood brain barriers in rats, the phenomenon and interaction mechanism for the microwave auditory effect (the hearing of microwave pulses by animals and humans), the development of miniature catheter antennas for microwave interstitial hyperthermia treatment of cancer, the application of transcatheter microwave ablation for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, and the use of noninvasive wireless technology for sensing of human vital signs and blood pressure pulse waves. The paper concludes with some observations on research and other endeavors in the interdisciplinary field of bioelectromagnetics.

Permeability of the blood-brain barrier induced by 915 MHz electromagnetic radiation, continuous wave and modulated at 8, 16, 50, and 200 Hz

Biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can be studied in sensitive and specific models. In a previous investigation of the permeability of the blood-brain barrier after exposure to the various EMF-components of proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we found that the exposure to MRI induced leakage of Evans Blue labeled proteins normally not passing the BBB of rats [Salford et al. (1992), in: Resonance Phenomena in Biology, Oxford University Press, pp. 87-91]. In the present investigation we exposed male and female Fischer 344 rats in a transverse electromagnetic transmission line chamber to microwaves of 915 MHz as continuous wave (CW) and pulse-modulated with repetition rates of 8, 16, 50, and 200 s-1. The specific energy absorption rate (SAR) varied between 0.016 and 5 W/kg. The rats were not anesthetized during the 2-hour exposure. All animals were sacrificed by perfusion-fixation of the brains under chloral hydrate anesthesia about 1 hour after the exposure. The brains were perfused with saline for 3-4 minutes, and thereafter fixed in 4% formaldehyde for 5-6 minutes. Central coronal sections of the brains were dehydrated and embedded in paraffin and sectioned at 5 microns. Albumin and fibrinogen were demonstrated immunohistochemically. The results show albumin leakage in 5 of 62 of the controls and in 56 of 184 of the animals exposed to 915 MHz microwaves. Continuous wave resulted in 14 positive findings of 35, which differ significantly from the controls (P = 0.002).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pattern of response to interstitial hyperthermia and brachytherapy for malignant intracranial tumour: a CT analysis

Interstitial microwave hyperthermia in combination with iridium-192 brachytherapy has been administered to 23 cases of malignant brain tumours in a phase one clinical trial to assess the feasibility and safety of this treatment. In order to quantify the acute and long-term response of tumour and surrounding brain to this treatment, a morphometric computed tomography scan analysis was performed in 18 evaluable patients. Volumes defined by the outer margin of the contrast-enhancing rim, by the hypodense necrotic region within the enhancing rim and by the surrounding hypodensity region were calculated from computer measurements. Hyperthermia equipment performance (HEP) was calculated for the evaluation of heating. After the treatments, the volume of the inner hypodensity region decreased in seven patients and the volume increased in 11 patients. In five patients, the outer margin of the contrast-enhancing lesion showed an initial increase in volume followed by a decrease and in these patients higher HEP and longer survival were observed significantly. The volume of the surrounding hypodensity region varied following treatments, but in most instances, the region subsequently increased in the interval immediately prior to death. Contribution of heat effect to these changes are discussed and the significance of aggressive heating, which provides transient opening of blood brain barrier, is shown.

Microwave irradiation of rats at 2.45 GHz activates pinocytotic-like uptake of tracer by capillary endothelial cells of cerebral cortex

Far-field exposures of male albino rats to 2.45-GHz microwaves (10-microseconds pulses, 100 pps) at a low average power density (10 mW/cm2; SAR approximately 2 W/kg) and short durations (30-120 min) resulted in increased uptakes of tracer through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The uptake of systemically administered rhodamine-ferritin complex by capillary endothelial cells (CECs) of the cerebral cortex was dependent on power density and on duration of exposure. At 5 mW/cm2, for example, a 15-min exposure had no effect. Near-complete blockade of uptake resulted when rats were treated before exposure to microwaves with a single dose of colchicine, which inhibits microtubular function. A pinocytotic-like mechanism is presumed responsible for the microwave-induced increase in BBB permeability.

Interaction of ethanol and microwaves on the blood-brain barrier of rats

The combined effects of ethanol and microwaves on the permeation of Evans blue dye through the mammalian blood-brain barrier was studied in male Wistar rats. Anesthetized rats were infused through a cannula in the left femoral vein with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 grams of absolute ethanol per kilogram of body mass. A control group was given 0.7 g/kg of isotonic saline. The left hemisphere of the brain was irradiated by 3.15-GHz microwave energy at 3.0 W/cm2 rms for 15 min. The rat's rectal temperature was maintained at 37.0 degrees C. Immediately after irradiation, 2% Evans blue dye in saline (2.0 ml/kg body mass) was injected through the cannula. The results show that as the quantity of alcohol was increased, the degree of staining was decreased or eliminated. The temperature of the irradiated area of the brain increased for the first 4 to 5 minutes of irradiation and then stabilized for the remainder of the irradiation period. The steady-state temperature was highest in animals receiving saline or the smallest dose of alcohol. As the quantity of alcohol was increased, the steady-state temperature was reduced. These results indicate that ethanol inhibits microwave-induced permeation of the blood-brain barrier through reduced heating of the brain.

Blood-brain barrier permeation in the rat during exposure to low-power 1.7-GHz microwave radiation

The permeability of the blood-brain barrier to high-and low-molecular-weight compounds has been measured as a function of continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed-microwave radiation. Adult rats, anesthetized with pentobarbital and injected intravenously with a mixture of [14C] sucrose and [3H] inulin, were exposed for 30 min at a specific absorption rate of 0.1 W/kg to 1.7-GHz CW and pulsed (0.5-microseconds pulse width, 1,000 pps) microwaves. After exposure, the brain was perfused and sectioned into nine regions, and the radioactivity in each region was counted. During identical exposure conditions, temperatures of rats were measured in eight of the brain regions by a thermistor probe that did not perturb the field. No change in uptake of either tracer was found in any of the eight regions as compared with those of sham-exposed animals.

Effect of 2450 MHz microwave energy on the blood-brain barrier to hydrophilic molecules. D. Brain temperature and blood-brain barrier permeability to hydrophilic tracers

Measurement of temperature within the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, cerebellum and medulla of rats sham-, heat- or microwave-exposed revealed the presence of a thermal gradient within the brain. In all groups, cerebral cortex and the cerebellum were cooler than the deeper hypothalamus and medulla. Exposure to 2450 MHz CW microwaves or ambient heat (42 +/- 2 degrees C) resulted in measurable elevation of regional brain temperature, but without alteration of temperature gradients normally observed within the brain. Exposure to 20 mW/cm2 (SAR approximately equal to 4 W/kg) for 30, 90 or 180 min induced a small, but significantly (U = 0, P less than 0.05) increased temperature of the colon, and in each region of the brain studied. Exposure to an incident power density of 65 mW/cm2 (SAR approximately equal to 13.0 W/kg) for 30 or 90 min or to ambient heat (42 +/- 2 degrees C) for 90 min resulted in a substantially greater thermal response as indicated by higher colonic and brain temperatures. Comparison of regional brain temperature with individual colonic temperatures is expressed as delta T = t degrees Cbrain--t degrees Ccolon. In general delta T values for ambient heat or microwave-exposed rats did not differ significantly from those of sham-exposed animals. Exposure to microwaves or ambient heat did not alter the general relationships between regional brain and colonic temperatures, i.e., cortical and cerebellar temperatures were always below and hypothalamic and medullary temperatures always above corresponding colonic temperatures. The plotted temperature data (brain vs colonic temperature) indicate a linear relationship between brain and colonic temperatures. Levels of sodium fluorescein (NAFl), horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and [14C]sucrose (described in preceding papers) within the brain show a high correlation (P less than 0.05) with brain temperature. Suppression of blood-brain barrier permeability to hydrophilic tracers was most pronounced at brain temperatures exceeding approximately 40 degrees C and is demonstrated to be temperature dependent.

Cerebrovascular permeability to 86Rb in the rat after exposure to pulsed microwaves

Microwaves (pulsed, 2,450 MHz) at an average power density of 3 W/cm2 were applied directly to the head for 5, 10, or 20 min, producing a peak specific absorption rate of 240 W/kg in the brain, which, after a 10-min exposure, resulted in brain temperatures in excess of 43 degrees C. A bolus of 86Rb in isotonic saline was injected intravenously and an arterial sample was collected for 20 s to determine cardiac output. Compared with unexposed controls, uptake of 86Rb increased most in those regions directly in the path of the irradiation, namely, the occipital and parietal cortex, as well as the dorsal hippocampus, midbrain, and basal ganglia. In a separate group of animals, regional brain-vascular spaces were found to increase with brain temperature. These results support previous observations indicating that reliably demonstrable increases of blood-brain barrier permeability are associated with intense, microwave-induced hyperthermia, and that the observed changes are not due to field-specific interaction.

Measurement of blood-brain barrier permeation in rats during exposure to 2450-MHz microwaves

Adult rats anesthesized with pentobarbital and injected intravenously with a mixture of [14C] sucrose and [3H] insulin were exposed for 30 min to an environment at an ambient temperature of 22, 30, or 40 degrees C, or were exposed at 22 degrees C to 2450-MHz CW microwave radiation at power densities of 0, 10, 20, or 30 mW/cm2. Following exposure, the brain was perfused and sectioned into eight regions, and the radioactivity in each region was counted. The data were analyzed by two methods. First, the data for each of the eight regions and for each of the two radioactive tracers were analyzed by regression analysis for a total of 16 analyses and Bonferroni's Inequality was applied to prevent false positive results from numerous analyses. By this conservative test, no statistically significant increase in permeation was found for either tracer in any brain region of rats exposed to microwaves. Second, a profile analysis was used for a general change in tracer uptake across all brain regions. Using this statistical method, a significant increase in permeation was found for sucrose but not for inulin. A correction factor was then derived from the warm-air experiments to correct for the increase in permeation of the brain associated with change in body temperature. This correction factor was applied to the data for the irradiated animals. After correcting the data for thermal effects of the microwave radiation, no significant increase in permeation was found.

Radiation and brain calcium: a review and critique

Serious controversy pervades the scientific study of radio-frequency (RF) radiation and its biological effects. The issues range broadly from international differences in safe exposure standards to questions pertaining to the neurological symptoms purportedly induced by electromagnetic radiation. In a more specialized vein, there is great concern in the discipline about the influence of different sources of radiation on the activity of calcium in the brain. A principal and very realistic reason for this concern stems from the pivotal importance of calcium ions in the normal functioning of the brain in all of its myriad complexity. The purpose of the review is to critically evaluate from an unbiased and "non-involved" viewpoint the major findings on the possible interaction between calcium ions and various radiation sources. Background information is also considered as it relates even indirectly to hypothetical mechanisms that might be used to explain any possible shift in Ca++ ion kinetics. Finally, an inclusive critique is presented which deals with the bench-top methods and strategy used in the conduct of calcium-radiation experiments.