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

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Abstract
Far‐field exposures of male albino rats to 2.45‐GHz microwaves (10‐μsec pulses, 100 pps) at a low average power density (10 mW/cm2; SAR ∼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.