Microwave Irradiation and Ambient Temperature Interact to Alter Rat Behavior Following Overnight Exposure

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Each of twelve male hooded rats was trained to insert its head into a food cup for food pellets on a random-interval schedule of reinforcement. After performance stabilized, the rats were assorted into 3 groups of 4 animals. Groups were matched for response rates. Animals were exposed in groups of 4 for 15.5 h to CW 2450-MHz microwaves once every 6 nights. Animals of each group were exposed to microwaves at only one power density, either 5, 10, or 15 mW/cm2; they were exposed three times at an ambient temperature of 22°C, then three times at 28°C, and then once more at 22°C. The relative humidity was 50% during all exposures. Rats were sham irradiated (at 0 mW/cm2) the night before each microwave exposure. Behavior was tested daily after termination of microwave irradiation of after sham exposures. None of the exposures to microwaves at 22°C altered rates or durations of responding. Exposures at 28°C reduced response rates and increased response durations in direct relation to the power density. The results are interpreted as the transient debilitation of behavior produced by the interaction of a mild elevation of ambient temperature and microwave irradiation.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: