Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effect of repeated microwave irradiation on the frequency of sex-linked recessive lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster med./bio.

By: Marec F, Ondracek J, Brunnhofer V
Published in: Mutation Research - Genetic Toxicology 1985; 157 (2-3): 163-167
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To determine the effects of repeated exposures to microwaves on the frequency of lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster. The fertility of irradiated individuals and the sex ratio of their offspring were also investigated.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.375 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: 5 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.375 GHz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration 5 days
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 25 W/cm² - measured - for 5 min
power density 15 W/cm² - measured - for 60 min
power density 20 W/cm² - measured - for 10 min

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Four lethals were found in treated groups but their frequency was not significantly different from that of the controls. No cumulative effect of repeated exposures on the mortality of the exposed males was observed. On the contrary, their mortality decreased with the number of exposures. Exposition did not affect the sex ratio of the F1. A significant decrease in the number of F1 progeny was noted in the group exposed to the power density of 15 W/cm². A negative thermal effect of microwaves on male germ cells was probably manifested by this long exposure.

Study character:

Study funded by