Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of psychotropic drugs on thermal responses to radiofrequency radiation med./bio.

By: Jauchem JR, Frei MR, Heinmets F
Published in: Aviat Space Environ Med 1985; 56 (12): 1183-1188
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of chlorpromazine, amitriptyline, and haloperidol on thermal responses in anesthetized rats exposed to 2.8 GHz radiofrequency irradiation (this frequency is characteristic of high power stationary tracking radars for military applications). Pharmacological agents which may modify thermoregulation are of interest, because an increase in body temperature is a primary effect of exposure to high levels of radiofrequency irradiation.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.8 GHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: intermittent*

General information

*The exposure was discontinued when the colonic temperature increased to 39.5?C and it was initiated again when the temperature returned to 38.5?C. This procedure was continued for 4 cycles (drugs were administered before the 4th cycle)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.8 GHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration intermittent*
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 2 µs
Repetition frequency 500 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • model 2852 S band megnetron source and transmitted by model 644 antenna.
Chamber Eccosorb RF-shielded anechoic chamber.
Additional info Animals exposed to H-orientation; long axis parallel to the magnetic field.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 600 W/m² mean measured - -
SAR 14 mW/g mean calculated whole body -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Administration of chlorpromazine (5 mg/kg) resulted in a slower rate of colonic temperature rise during irradiation and a faster return to baseline temperature when exposure was discontinued. Administration of amitriptyline (10 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg), or saline did not significantly affect thermal responses. A more rhythmic pattern of respiration was revealed following chlorpromazine administration; the change in pattern was not observed after amitriptyline, haloperidol, or saline administration. The findings indicate that acute administration of chlorpromazine can counteract hyperthermia during radiofrequency irradiation, when colonic temperature is not allowed to rise above 39.5°C.

Study character:

Study funded by

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