Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effect of psychoactive drugs on operant behavior induced by microwave radiation med./bio.

By: Monahan JC, Henton WW
Published in: Radio Sci 1979; 14 (6) Suppl: 233-238
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of psychoactive drugs on microwave-induced operant behavior in the mouse.

Background/further details

Mice were trained to escape from or to avoid 2.45 GHz continuous wave (CW) microwave exposure by emitting an operant response (the response consisted of an animal's interruption of a light beam). If a mouse responded while microwaves were on, irradiation was terminated and remained off for 12 seconds (an escape response). If a mouse responded during the off period, each response (constituting avoidance) would reset a timer that delayed the onset of microwaves for another 12 seconds. During the experimental session a 2900 Hz tone was paired with the microwave exposure. Each animal was tested following administration of each of three psychoactive compounds at varying dosages: chlordiazepoxide, d-amphetamine, and chlorpromazine.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: dependant on subject's escape-avoidance behaviour (12-s timer); 30 min sessions/day
  • power: 2.7 W
  • SAR: 45 W/kg average over time

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration dependant on subject's escape-avoidance behaviour (12-s timer); 30 min sessions/day
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber 26.7 cm x 5.4 cm x 3.2 cm animal container consisting of 2 mm black, opaque Plexiglas placed inside the 10.9 cm x 5.5 cm waveguide; waveguide operating in TE10-mode
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2.7 W - measured - -
SAR 45 W/kg average over time - - -
Additional parameter details

2900 HZ sonic stimulus

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Chlordiazepoxide resulted in a reduced percentage of avoidance responding coupled with an increased percentage of escape responding. The data based on administration of chlorpromazine and of d-amphetamine were highly variable both within and among subjects.

Study character:

Study funded by