Radiofrequency Radiation Alters the Immune System: Modulation of T- and B-Lymphocyte Levels and Cell-Mediated Immunocompetence by Hyperthermic Radiation

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Abstract
Acute transient lymphopenia in the mouse was induced by whole-body exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) (26 MHz, 2.degree. C increase in core temperatures over 15 min). Mice experiencing RFR-induced lymphopenia showed a relative increase in splenic T [thymus-derived] and B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes; these elevated levels were further pronounced by 3 RFR exposures delivered at 3 h intervals. Multiple RFR exposures led to a significant decrease in thymic weight and thymic and splenic cell density and to suppressed cell-mediated immune function as measured in vivo by local delayed-type hypersensitivity. Only splenic B-lymphocyte levels were elevated with no change in delayed hypersensitivity in warm air-exposed mice (2.degree. C increase in core temperature over 15 min). Plasma corticoid levels immediately after RFR treatment were several-fold higher than those in mice given warm air or sham exposure. Administration of methyl prednisolone sodium succinate to control animals led to lymphopenia, increased splenic T- and B-lymphocyte frequency, and thymic involution that was observed in RFR-exposed animals. RFR hyperthermia may induce significant alterations in lymphocyte distribution and function. RFR impact on the immune apparatus may be mediated at the cellular level indirectly through steroid-associated actions.