Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Reduced weight in mice offspring after in utero exposure to 2450-MHz (CW) microwaves med./bio.

By: Berman E, Carter HB, House D

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 1982; 3 (2): 285-291

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This in vivo study was conducted to examine the effects of 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation during pregnancy on mice fetuses.

Background/further details

The offspring of irradiated dams were examined either as fetuses after hysterotomy (incision in the uterus) on the 18th day of gestation or as naturally born neonates on the 1st and 7th day of age. A total of 50 sham exposed and 50 microwave exposed mice were investigated.

Endpoint

effects on embryo/fetus: fetus abnormalities

Exposure

- 2.45 GHz
- microwaves
- CW continuous wave

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz Modulation type: CW Exposure duration: 100 min/day from 6th-17th day of gestation	SAR: 16.5 mW/g mean (cf. remarks) (+/- 4.5 mW/g) power density: 280 W/m²

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	2.45 GHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Waveform	sinusoidal
Exposure duration	100 min/day from 6th-17th day of gestation
Additional info	Exposure setup has been described before in Berman et al. 1978 (TER-154).

Modulation

Modulation type	CW

Exposure setup

Exposure source	anechoic chamber
Chamber	polycarbonate plastic cage

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
SAR	16.5 mW/g	mean	cf. remarks	cf. remarks	+/- 4.5 mW/g
power density	280 W/m²	-	cf. remarks	-	-

Reference articles

Berman E et al. (1978): Observations of mouse fetuses after irradiation with 2.45 GHz microwaves

Exposed system:

animal
mouse/CD-1
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on embryo/fetus: fetus abnormalities: body weight, sternal ossification (Alizarin red S stain); litter size: number of live, dead, resorbed fetuses; neonate survival rate
effects on the reproductive system: pregnancy rate

Investigated system:

tissue slices
fetus

Investigated organ system:

reproductive system
muscular/skeletal system

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The pregnancy rate and the numbers of live, dead, resorbed, total fetuses, and the survival rates of neonates were not statistical significant different in exposure and sham exposure groups.
The mean weight was significantly lower in live microwave-irradiated fetuses, accompanied by delayed sternal ossification which indicates a growth retardation. In the naturally born offspring of irradiated dams a significantly lower mean weight was observed in 7-day-old mice.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

Shahin S et al. (2013): 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation-induced oxidative stress affects implantation or pregnancy in mice, Mus musculus
Amer FI et al. (2013): Effect Of Microwave Radiation On The Retina Of Mice Embryos
Grigoriev YG et al. (2010): Confirmation studies of Soviet research on immunological effects of microwaves: Russian immunology results
de Gannes FP et al. (2009): A confirmation study of Russian and Ukrainian data on effects of 2450 MHz microwave exposure on immunological processes and teratology in rats
Inaloz SS et al. (1997): Acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and newborn rat brains
Jensh RP (1997): Behavioral teratologic studies using microwave radiation: is there an increased risk from exposure to cellular phones and microwave ovens?
Fukui Y et al. (1992): Effects of Hyperthermia Induced by Microwave Irradiation on Brain Development in Mice
Berman E et al. (1984): Decreased body weight in fetal rats after irradiation with 2450-MHz (CW) microwaves
Jensh RP et al. (1983): An evaluation of the teratogenic potential of protracted exposure of pregnant rats to 2450-MHz microwave radiation. II. Postnatal psychophysiologic analysis
Chazan B et al. (1983): Effects of microwave exposure in utero on embryonal, fetal and postnatal development of mice
Albert EN et al. (1981): Effect of nonionizing radiation on the Purkinje cells of the rat cerebellum
Berman E et al. (1981): Observations of rat fetuses after irradiation with 2450-MHz (CW) microwaves
Berman E et al. (1978): Observations of mouse fetuses after irradiation with 2.45 GHz microwaves
Chernovetz ME et al. (1975): Teratology, survival, and reversal learning after fetal irradiation of mice by 2450-MHz microwave energy