Human exposure at two radio frequencies (450 and 2450 MHz): Similarities and differences in physiological response

Thermoregulatory responses of heat production and heat loss were measured in two different groups of seven adult volunteers (males and females) during 45‐min dorsal exposures of the whole body to 450 or 2450 MHz continuous‐wave radio frequency (RF) fields. At each frequency, two power densities (PD) were tested at each of three ambient temperatures (T_a = 24, 28, and 31 °C) plus T_a controls (no RF). The normalized peak surface specific absorption rate (SAR), measured at the location of the subject's center back, was the same for comparable PD at both frequencies, i.e., peak surface SAR = 6.0 and 7.7 W/kg. No change in metabolic heat production occurred under any exposure conditions at either frequency. The magnitude of increase in those skin temperatures under direct irradiation was directly related to frequency, but local sweating rates on back and chest were related more to T_a and SAR. Both efficient sweating and increased local skin blood flow contributed to the regulation of the deep body (esophageal) temperature to within 0.1 °C of the baseline level. At both frequencies, normalized peak SARs in excess of ANSI/IEEE C95.1 guidelines were easily counteracted by normal thermophysiological mechanisms. The observed frequency‐related response differences agree with classical data concerning the control of heat loss mechanisms in human beings. However, more practical dosimetry than is currently available will be necessary to evaluate realistic human exposures to RF energy in the natural environment. Bioelectromagnetics 20:12–20, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Thermophysiological responses of human volunteers to whole body RF exposure at 220 MHz

Since 1994, our research has demonstrated how thermophysiological responses are mobilized in human volunteers exposed to three radio frequencies, 100, 450, and 2450 MHz. A significant gap in this frequency range is now filled by the present study, conducted at 220 MHz. Thermoregulatory responses of heat loss and heat production were measured in six adult volunteers (five males, one female, aged 24-63 years) during 45 min whole body dorsal exposures to 220 MHz radio frequency (RF) energy. Three power densities (PD = 9, 12, and 15 mW/cm(2) [1 mW/cm(2) = 10 W/m(2)], whole body average normalized specific absorption rate [SAR] = 0.045 [W/kg]/[mW/cm(2)] = 0.0045 [W/kg]/[W/m(2)]) were tested at each of three ambient temperatures (T(a) = 24, 28, and 31 degrees C) plus T(a) controls (no RF). Measured responses included esophageal (T(esoph)) and seven skin temperatures (T(sk)), metabolic rate (M), local sweat rate, and local skin blood flow (SkBF). Derived measures included heart rate (HR), respiration rate, and total evaporative water loss (EWL). Finite difference-time domain (FDTD) modeling of a seated 70 kg human exposed to 220 MHz predicted six localized "hot spots" at which local temperatures were also measured. No changes in M occurred under any test condition, while T(esoph) showed small changes (< or =0.35 degrees C) but never exceeded 37.3 degrees C. As with similar exposures at 100 MHz, local T(sk) changed little and modest increases in SkBF were recorded. At 220 MHz, vigorous sweating occurred at PD = 12 and 15 mW/cm(2), with sweating levels higher than those observed for equivalent PD at 100 MHz. Predicted "hot spots" were confirmed by local temperature measurements. The FDTD model showed the local SAR in deep neural tissues that harbor temperature-sensitive neurons (e.g., brainstem, spinal cord) to be greater at 220 than at 100 MHz. Human exposure at both 220 and 100 MHz results in far less skin heating than occurs during exposure at 450 MHz. However, the exposed subjects thermoregulate efficiently because of increased heat loss responses, particularly sweating. It is clear that these responses are controlled by neural signals from thermosensors deep in the brainstem and spinal cord, rather than those in the skin.     

Thermophysiological consequences of whole body resonant RF exposure (100 MHz) in human volunteers

Thermophysiological responses of heat production and heat loss were measured in seven adult volunteers (six males and one female, aged 31-74 years) during 45 min dorsal exposures of the whole body to 100 MHz continuous wave (CW) radio frequency (RF) energy. Three power densities (PD) (average PD = 4, 6, and 8 mW/cm(2); whole body specific absorption rate [SAR] = 0.068 [W/kg]/[mW/cm(2)]) were tested in each of three ambient temperatures (T(a) = 24, 28, and 31 degrees C), as well as in T(a) controls (no RF). A standardized protocol (30 min baseline, 45 min RF or sham exposure, 10 min baseline) was used. Measured responses included esophageal and seven skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, local sweat rate, and local skin blood flow. No changes in metabolic heat production occurred under any test condition. Unlike published results of similar exposures at 450 and 2450 MHz, local skin temperatures, even those on the back that were irradiated directly, changed little or not at all during 100 MHz exposures. The sole exception was the temperature of the ankle skin, which increased by 3-4 degrees C in some subjects at PD = 8 mW/cm(2). During the 45 min RF exposure, esophageal temperature showed modest changes (range = -0.15 to 0.13 degrees C) and never exceeded 37.2 degrees C. Thermoregulation was principally controlled by appropriate increases in evaporative heat loss (sweating) and, to a lesser extent, by changes in skin blood flow. Because of the deep penetration of RF energy at this frequency, effectively bypassing the skin, these changes must have been stimulated by thermal receptors deep in the body rather than those located in the skin.     

Human exposure to 2450 MHz CW energy at levels outside the IEEE C95.1 standard does not increase core temperature

Permission was received from the Brooks AFB Institutional Review Board and the AF Surgeon General's Office to exceed the peak power density (PD = 35 mW/cm(2)) we had previously studied during partial body exposure of human volunteers at 2450 MHz. Two additional peak PD were tested (50 and 70 mW/cm(2)). The higher of these PD (normalized peak local SAR = 15.4 W/kg) is well outside the IEEE C95.1 guidelines for partial body exposure, as is the estimated whole body SAR approximately 1.0 W/kg. Seven volunteers (four males, three females) were tested at each PD in three ambient temperatures (T(a) = 24, 28, and 31 degrees C) under our standard protocol (30 min baseline, 45 min RF exposure, 10 min baseline). The thermophysiological data (esophageal and six skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, local sweat rate, and local skin blood flow) were combined with comparable data at PD = 0, 27, and 35 mW/cm(2) from our 1999 study to generate response functions across PD. No change in esophageal temperature or metabolic heat production was recorded at any PD in any T(a). At PD = 70 mW/cm(2), skin temperature on the upper back (irradiated directly) increased 4.0 degrees C in T(a) = 24 degrees C, 2.6 degrees C in T(a) = 28 degrees C, and 1.8 degrees C in T(a) = 31 degrees C. These differences were primarily due to the increase in local sweat rate, which was greatest in T(a) = 31 degrees C. Also at PD = 70 mW/cm(2), local skin blood flow on the back increased 65% over baseline levels in T(a) = 31 degrees C, but only 40% in T(a) = 24 degrees C. Although T(a) becomes an important variable when RF exposure exceeds the C95.1 partial body exposure limits, vigorous heat loss responses of blood flow and sweating maintain thermal homeostasis efficiently. It is also clear that strong sensations of heat and thermal discomfort will motivate a timely retreat from a strong RF field, long before these physiological responses are exhausted. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Microwaves modify thermoregulatory behavior in squirrel monkey

Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) trained to regulate environmental temperature (T_a) behaviorally were exposed in the far field of a horn antenna to ten-minute periods of 2,450 MH_z CW microwaves. Incident power density ranged from 1 to 22 mW/cm². The corresponding specific absorption rate (SAR), derived from temperature increments in saline-filled styrofoam models, ranged from 0.15 to 3.25 W/kg. Controls included exposure to infrared radiation of equivalent incident energy and no radiation exposure. Normal thermoregulatory behavior produces tight control over environmental and body temperatures; most monkeys select a T_a of 34–36°C. Ten-minute exposures to 2,450 MH_z CW microwaves at an incident power density of 6–8 mW/cm² stimulated all animals to select a lower T_a. This threshold energy represents a whole-body SAR of 1.1 W/kg, about 20% of the resting metabolic rate of the monkey. Thermoregulatory behavior was highly efficient, and skin and rectal temperatures remained stable, even at 22 mW/cm² where the preferred T_a was lowered by as much as 4°C. No comparable reduction in selected T_a below control levels occurred during exposure to infrared radiation of equal incident power density.     

Metabolic and vasomotor responses of rhesus monkeys exposed to 225-MHz radiofrequency energy

A previous study showed a substantial increase in the colonic temperature of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) exposed to radiofrequency (RF) fields at a frequency near whole-body resonance and specific absorption rates (SAR) of 2-3 W/kg. The present experiments were conducted to determine the metabolic and vasomotor responses during exposures to similar RF fields. We exposed five adult male rhesus monkeys to 225 MHz radiation (E orientation) in an anechoic chamber. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured before, during, and after RF exposure. Colonic, tail and leg skin temperatures were continuously monitored with RF-nonperturbing probes. The monkeys were irradiated at two carefully-controlled ambient temperatures, either cool (20 degrees C) or thermoneutral (26 degrees C). Power densities ranged from 0 (sham) to 10.0 mW/cm2 with an average whole-body SAR of 0.285 (W/kg)/(mW/cm2). We used two experimental protocols, each of which began with a 120-min pre-exposure equilibration period. One protocol involved repetitive 10-min RF exposures at successively higher power densities with a recovery period between exposures. In the second protocol, a 120-min RF exposure permitted the measurement of steady-state thermoregulatory responses. Metabolic and vasomotor adjustments in the rhesus monkey exposed to 225 MHz occurred during brief or sustained exposures at SARs at or above 1.4 W/kg. The SAR required to produce a given response varied with ambient temperature. Metabolic and vasomotor responses were coordinated effectively to produce a stable deep body temperature. The results show that the thermoregulatory response of the rhesus monkey to an RF exposure at a resonant frequency limits storage of heat in the body. However, substantial increases in colonic temperature were not prevented by such responses, even in a cool environment.     

Calcium-ion efflux from brain tissue: Power-density versus internal field-intensity dependencies at 50-MHz RF radiation

In previous experiments changes were found in calcium-ion efflux from chickbrain tissue that had been exposed in vitro to 147-MHz radiation across a specific range of power densities when the field was amplitude modulated at 16 Hz. In the present study, 50-MHz radiation, similarly modulated as a sinusoid, was found to produce changes in calcium-ion efflux from chick brains exposed in vitro in a Crawford cell. Exposure conditions were optimized to broaden any power-density window and to enhance the opportunity to detect changes in the calcium-ion efflux. The results of a power-density series demonstrated two effective ranges: One spanning a range from 1.44 to 1.67 mW/cm², and the other including 3.64 mW/cm², which were bracketed by no-effect results at 0.72, 2.17, and 4.32 mW/cm². Peaks of positive findings are associated with near-identical rates of energy absorption: 1.4 μW/g at 147 MHz, and 1.3 μW/g at 50 MHz, which indicates that the enhanced-efflux phenomenon is more dependent on the intensity of fields in the brain than on the power density of incident radiation. In addition, the phenomenon appears to occur at multiples of some, as yet unknown, rate of radiofrequency (RF) energy absorption. Because of the extremely small increments of temperature associated with positive findings (< 4 × 10^?4°C), and the existence of more than one productive absorption rate, a solely thermal explanation appears extremely unlikely.     

Partial-body exposure of human volunteers to 2450 MHz pulsed or CW fields provokes similar thermoregulatory responses

Many reports describe data showing that continuous wave (CW) and pulsed (PW) radiofrequency (RF) fields, at the same frequency and average power density (PD), yield similar response changes in the exposed organism. During whole-body exposure of squirrel monkeys at 2450 MHz CW and PW fields, heat production and heat loss responses were nearly identical. To explore this question in humans, we exposed two different groups of volunteers to 2450 MHz CW (two females, five males) and PW (65 micros pulse width, 10(4) pps; three females, three males) RF fields. We measured thermophysiological responses of heat production and heat loss (esophageal and six skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, local skin blood flow, and local sweat rate) under a standardized protocol (30 min baseline, 45 min RF or sham exposure, 10 min baseline), conducted in three ambient temperatures (T(a) = 24, 28, and 31 degrees C). At each T(a), average PDs studied were 0, 27, and 35 mW/cm2 (Specific absorption rate (SAR) = 0, 5.94, and 7.7 W/kg). Mean data for each group showed minimal changes in core temperature and metabolic heat production for all test conditions and no reliable differences between CW and PW exposure. Local skin temperatures showed similar trends for CW and PW exposure that were PD-dependent; only the skin temperature of the upper back (facing the antenna) showed a reliably greater increase (P =.005) during PW exposure than during CW exposure. Local sweat rate and skin blood flow were both T(a)- and PD-dependent and showed greater variability than other measures between CW and PW exposures; this variability was attributable primarily to the characteristics of the two subject groups. With one noted exception, no clear evidence for a differential response to CW and PW fields was found.     

Physiological interaction processes and radio-frequency energy absorption.

Because exposure to microwave fields at the resonant frequency may generate heat deep in the body, hyperthermia may result. This problem has been examined in an animal model to determine both the thresholds for response change and the steady-state thermoregulatory compensation for body heating during exposure at resonant (450 MHz) and supra-resonant (2,450 MHz) frequencies. Adult male squirrel monkeys, held in the far field of an antenna within an anechoic chamber, were exposed (10 min or 90 min) to either 450-MHz or 2,450-MHz CW fields (E polarization) in cool environments. Whole-body SARs ranged from 0-6 W/kg (450 MHz) and 0-9 W/kg (2,450 MHz). Colonic and several skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, and evaporative heat loss were monitored continuously. During brief RF exposures in the cold, the reduction of metabolic heat production was directly proportional to the SAR, but 2,450-MHz energy was a more efficient stimulus than was the resonant frequency. In the steady state, a regulated increase in deep body temperature accompanied exposure at resonance, not unlike that which occurs during exercise. Detailed analyses of the data indicate that temperature changes in the skin are the primary source of the neural signal for a change in physiological interaction processes during RF exposure in the cold.     

Body heating induced by sub-resonant (350 MHz) microwave irradiation: Cardiovascular and respiratory responses in anesthetized rats

These experiments were designed to investigate the effects of sub-resonant microwave (MW) exposure (350 MHz, E orientation, average power density 38 mW/cm², average whole-body specific absorption rate 13.2 W/kg) on selected physiological parameters. The increase in peripheral body temperature during 350 MHz exposure was greater than that in earlier experiments performed at 700 MHz (resonance). Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly elevated during a 1 °C increase in colonic temperature due to 350 MHz exposure; respiratory rate showed no significant change. The results are consistent with other investigators' reports comparing sub-resonance exposures with those at resonance and above. Bioelectromagnetics 18:335–338, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

New fin-line devices for radiofrequency exposure of small biological samples in vitro allowing whole-cell patch clamp recordings

The development and analysis of three waveguides for the exposure of small biological in vitro samples to mobile communication signals at 900 MHz (GSM, Global System for Mobile Communications), 1.8 GHz (GSM), and 2 GHz (UMTS, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) is presented. The waveguides were based on a fin‐line concept and the chamber containing the samples bathed in extracellular solution was placed onto two fins with a slot in between, where the exposure field concentrates. Measures were taken to allow for patch clamp recordings during radiofrequency (RF) exposure. The necessary power for the achievement of the maximum desired specific absorption rate (SAR) of 20 W/kg (average over the mass of the solution) was approximately P_in = 50 mW, P_in = 19 mW, and P_in = 18 mW for the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2 GHz devices, respectively. At 20 W/kg, a slight RF‐induced temperature elevation in the solution of no more than 0.3 °C was detected, while no thermal offsets due to the electromagnetic exposure could be detected at the lower SAR settings (2, 0.2, and 0.02 W/kg). A deviation of 10% from the intended solution volume yielded a calculated SAR deviation of 8% from the desired value. A maximum ±10% variation in the local SAR could occur when the position of the patch clamp electrode was altered within the area where the cells to be investigated were located. Bioelectromagnetics 32:102–112, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Cutaneous vasodilatation responses synchronize with sweat expulsions

To examine whether cutaneous active vasodilatation is mediated by sudomotor nerve fibres we recorded cutaneous blood flow and sweat rates continuously with laser-Doppler flowmetry and capacitance hygrometry, respectively, from the dorsal and plantar aspects of the foot in 11 male subjects at varying ambient temperatures (T _a) between 22 and 40°C (relative humidity 40%). In a warmer environment (T _a 29–40°C), predominant responses of the blood flow curve from the sole of the foot were transient depressions (negative blood flow responses, NBR), whereas those from the dorsal foot were transient increases (positive blood flow responses, PBR). The PBR on the dorsal foot occurred spontaneously or in response to mental or sensory stimuli, and when PBR did not fuse with each other the rate of PBR was linearly related to tympanic temperature. When dorsal foot sweating was continuous, PBR on the dorsal foot almost entirely synchronized with sweat expulsion. When dorsal foot sweating was intermittent PBR sometimes occurred on the dorsal foot without corresponding sweat expulsions, but these PBR showed a complete correspondence with subthreshold sweat expulsion seen on a methacholine-treated area. The amplitude and the duration of PBR showed a significant linear relationship with the amplitude and the duration of the corresponding sweat expulsion. In a thermoneutral or cooler environment (T _a 22–29°C), PBR occurred on the sole of the foot when mental or sensory stimuli elicited sweating in that area. Thus, PBR occurred when and where sweating appeared. Atropine failed to abolish PBR on the dorsal foot. Blockade of the peroneal nerve eliminated both PBR and NBR on the dorsal foot. The results indicate that an active vasodilatation mechanism is present on the sole of the foot as well as on the dorsal foot, and thus suggest that active vasodilatation is closely related to sudomotor nerve activation.     

Metabolic and thermoregulatory responses to heat and cold in the Djungarian hamster,Phodopus sungorus

Summary Djungarian hamsters,Phodopus sungorus (31.1 g body weight) were exposed to ambient temperatures (T _a ) between –35°C and +34°C. They tolerated severe cold stress but were less able to withstand heat. At –35° CT _a , normal body temperature was maintained for several hours. Thereby maximum thermal insulation was calculated at 1.1 g·°C/mW, which is only slightly higher than expected from the hamsters body size. High levels of heat production (60 to 90 m W/g) were maintained for several hours, suggesting that well developed means of heat production are the main reason for cold tolerance of the Djungarian hamster.     

Regulation of local sweating in sleep-deprived exercising humans

Thermoregulatory sweating [total body (m _sw,b), chest (m _sw,c) and thigh (m _sw,t) sweating], body temperatures [oesophageal (T _oes) and mean skin temperature (T _sk)] and heart rate were investigated in five sleep-deprived subjects (kept awake for 27 h) while exercising on a cycle (45 min at approximately 50% maximal oxygen consumption) in moderate heat (T _air andT _wall at 35° C. Them _sw,c andm _sw,t were measured under local thermal clamp (T _sk,1), set at 35.5° C. After sleep deprivation, neither the levels of body temperatures (T _oes,T _sk) nor the levels ofm _{sw, b},m _{sw, c} orm _{sw, t} differed from control at rest or during exercise steady state. During the transient phase of exercise (whenT _sk andT _sk,1 were unvarying), them _{sw, c} andm _{sw, t} changes were positively correlated with those ofT _oes. The slopes of them _{sw, c} versusT _oes, orm _{sw, t} versusT _oes relationships remained unchanged between control and sleep-loss experiments. Thus the slopes of the local sweating versusT _oes, relationships (m _{sw, c} andm _{sw, t} sweating data pooled which reached 1.05 (SEM 0.14) mg·cm^–2·min^–1°C^–1 and 1.14 (SEM 0.18) mg·cm^–2·min^–1·°C^–1 before and after sleep deprivation) respectively did not differ. However, in our experiment, sleep deprivation significantly increased theT _oes threshold for the onset of bothm _{sw, c} andm _{sw, t} (+0.3° C,P<0.001). From our investigations it would seem that the delayed core temperature for sweating onset in sleep-deprived humans, while exercising moderately in the heat, is likely to have been due to alterations occurring at the central level.     

DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in C6 glioma and primary glial cells exposed to a 836.55 MHz modulated radiofrequency field

We have tested the hypothesis that modulated radiofrequency (RF) fields may act as a tumor-promoting agent by altering DNA synthesis, leading to increased cell proliferation. In vitro tissue cultures of transformed and normal rat glial cells were exposed to an 836.55 MHz, packet-modulated RF field at three power densities: 0.09, 0.9, and 9 mW/cm², resulting in specific absorption rates (SARs) ranging from 0.15 to 59 μW/g. TEM-mode transmission-line cells were powered by a prototype time-domain multiple-access (TDMA) transmitter that conforms to the North American digital cellular telephone standard. One sham and one energized TEM cell were placed in standard incubators maintained at 37 °C and 5% CO₂. DNA synthesis experiments at 0.59–59 μW/g SAR were performed on log-phase and serum-starved semiquiescent cultures after 24 h exposure. Cell growth at 0.15–15 μW/g SAR was determined by cell counts of log-phase cultures on days 0, 1, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14 of a 2 week protocol. Results from the DNA synthesis assays differed for the two cell types. Sham-exposed and RF-exposed cultures of primary rat glial cells showed no significant differences for either log-phase or serum-starved condition. C₆ glioma cells exposed to RF at 5.9 μW/g SAR (0.9 mW/cm²) exhibited small (20–40%) significant increases in 38% of [³H]thymidine incorporation experiments. Growth curves of sham and RF-exposed cultures showed no differences in either normal or transformed glial cells at any of the power densities tested. Cell doubling times of C₆ glioma cells [sham (21.9 ± 1.4 h) vs. field (22.7 ± 3.2 h)] also demonstrated no significant differences that could be attributed to altered DNA synthesis rates. Under these conditions, this modulated RF field did not increase cell proliferation of normal or transformed cultures of glial origin. Bioelectromagnetics 18:230–236, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Accelerated development of spontaneous and benzopyrene-induced skin cancer in mice exposed to 2450-MHz microwave radiation

C₃H/HeA mice with high incidence of spontaneous breast cancer and Balb/c mice treated with 3,4-benzopyrene (BP) (by painting of the skin resulting in the development of skin cancer) were irradiated with 2,450-MHz microwaves (MW) in an anechoic chamber at 5 or 15 mW/cm² (2 h daily, 6 sessions per week). C₃H/HeA mice were irradiated from the 6th week of life, up to the 12th month of life. Balb/c mice treated with BP were irradiated either prior to (over 1 or 3 months) or simultaneously with BP treatment (over 5 months). The appearance of palpable tumors in C₃H/HeA mice and of skin cancer in BP-treated Balb/c mice was checked every 2 weeks for 12 months. Two additional groups of mice were exposed to chronic stress caused by confinement or to sham-irradiation in an anechoic chamber; these served as controls. Irradiation with MWs at either 5 or 15 mW/cm² for 3 months resulted in a significant lowering of natural antineoplastic resistance (mean number of lung neoplastic colonies was 2.8 ± 1.6 (SD) in controls, 6.1 ± 1.8 in mice exposed at 5 mW/cm² and 10.8 ± 2.1 in those irradiated at 15 mW/cm²) and acceleration of development of BP-induced skin cancer (285 days in controls, 230 days for 5 mW/cm² and 160 days for 15 mW/cm²). Microwave-exposed C₃H/HeA mice developed breast tumors earlier than controls (322 days in controls, 261 days for 5 mW/cm² and 219 days for 15 mW/cm²). A similar acceleration was observed in the development of BP-induced skin cancer in mice exposed simultaneously to BP and MWs (285 days in controls, 220 day for 5 mW/cm² and 121 days for 15 mW/cm²). The acceleration of cancer development in all tested systems and lowering of natural antineoplastic resistance was similar in mice exposed to MW at 5 mW/cm² or to chronic stress caused by confinement but differed significantly from the data obtained on animals exposed at 15 mW/cm², where local thermal effects (“hot” spots) were possible.     

Primate models to study eccrine sweating

The histochemistry and histology of the eccrine sweat gland in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) are described. The histochemical distribution and localization of enzymes and substrates are very similar to those found in the human; innervation is cholinergic. Active eccrine glands on the general body surface average 136 glands/cm². Above the thermal neutral zone (TNZ), sweating is the major avenue for heat loss and the role of panting in dissipating heat is relatively insignificant. The intrahypothalamic administration of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) suppresses sweating and leads to an increase in core temperature. A linear relation is found between local sweat rates on the general body surface and clamped hypothalamic temperature. Studies also provide direct support for the concept that brain temperature and skin temperature interact additively in the control of sweating in higher primates. The functional characteristics of eccrine sweating in the patas monkey (Erythocebus) are qualitatively similar to those in the rhesus monkey. The patas monkey maintains a relatively constant rectal temperature (37.6–38.4°C) when equilibrated to a wide range of ambient temperaures of 15–40°C. Eccrine sweating is the main effector system for heat dissipation above the TNZ. We emphasize here that evaporative heat loss that is due to sweating is related to both mean skin and mean body temperature and at 40°C is 40% higher than that recorded from the rhesus monkey. These results indicate that the patas monkey, because of its high sweating capacity and other similarities with the human eccrine system, is a most appropriate animal model for comparative studies of eccrine sweat gland function in primates in general.     

Resonance effect of millimeter waves in the power range from 10-19 to 3 × 10-3 W/cm2 on Escherichia coli cells at different concentrations

The effect of millimeter waves (MMWs) on the genome conformational state (GCS) of E. coli AB1157 cells was studied by the method of anomalous viscosity time dependencies (AVTD) in the frequency range of 51.64-51.85 GHz. The 51.755 GHz resonance frequency of the cell reaction to MMWs did not depend on power density (PD) in the range from 10^-19 to 3 × 10^-3 W/cm². The half-width of the resonant reaction of cells showed a sigmoid dependence on PD, changing from 3 MHz to 100 MHz. The PD dependence of the half-width had the same shape for different concentrations of exposed cells (4 × 10⁷ and 4 × 10⁸ cells/ml), whereas the magnitude of the 51.755 GHz resonance effect differed significantly and depended on the PD of MMW exposure. Sharp narrowing of the 51.755 GHz resonance in the PD range from 10^-4 to 10^-7 W/cm² was followed by an emergence of new resonance frequencies. The PD dependence of the MMW effect at one of these resonance frequencies (51.674 GHz) differed markedly from the corresponding dependence at the 51.755 GHz resonance, the power window occurring in the range from 10^-16 to 10^-8 W/cm². The results obtained were explained in the framework of a model of electron-conformational interactions. The frequency-time parameters of this model appeared to be in good agreement with experimental data. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The Effect of Combined Exposure of 900 MHz Radiofrequency Fields and Doxorubicin in HL-60 Cells

Human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells were pre-exposed to non-ionizing 900 MHz radiofrequency fields (RF) at 12 µW/cm² power density for 1 hour/day for 3 days and then treated with a chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (DOX, 0.125 mg/L). Several end-points related to toxicity, viz., viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular free calcium (Ca²⁺) and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺ -ATPase activity were measured. The results obtained in un-exposed and sham-exposed control cells were compared with those exposed to RF alone, DOX alone and RF+DOX. The results indicated no significant differences between un-exposed, sham-exposed control cells and those exposed to RF alone while treatment with DOX alone showed a significant decrease in viability, increased apoptosis, decreased MMP, increased Ca²⁺ and decreased Ca²⁺-Mg^2+-ATPase activity. When the latter results were compared with cells exposed RF+DOX, the data showed increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, increased MMP, decreased Ca²⁺ and increased Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase activity. Thus, RF pre-exposure appear to protect the HL-60 cells from the toxic effects of subsequent treatment with DOX. These observations were similar to our earlier data which suggested that pre-exposure of mice to 900 MHz RF at 120 µW/cm² power density for 1 hours/day for 14 days had a protective effect in hematopoietic tissue damage induced by subsequent gamma-irradiation.     

Carbon balance and radiative forcing of Finnish peatlands 1900–2100 – the impact of forestry drainage

Natural peatlands accumulate carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). They affect the global climate by binding carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releasing methane (CH₄) to the atmosphere; in contrast fluxes of nitrous oxide (N₂O) in natural peatlands are insignificant. Changes in drainage associated with forestry alter these greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes and thus the radiative forcing (RF) of peatlands. In this paper, changes in peat and tree stand C stores, GHG fluxes and the consequent RF of Finnish undisturbed and forestry‐drained peatlands are estimated for 1900–2100. The C store in peat is estimated at 5.5 Pg in 1950. The rate of C sequestration into peat has increased from 2.2 Tg a^‐‐1 in 1900, when all peatlands were undrained, to 3.6 Tg a^‐‐1 at present, when c. 60% of peatlands have been drained for forestry. The C store in tree stands has increased from 60 to 170 Tg during the 20th century. Methane emissions have decreased from an estimated 1.0–0.5 Tg CH₄‐‐C a^‐‐1, while those of N₂O have increased from 0.0003 to 0.005 Tg N₂O‐‐N a^‐‐1. The altered exchange rates of GHG gases since 1900 have decreased the RF of peatlands in Finland by about 3 mW m^‐‐2 from the predrainage situation. This result contradicts the common hypothesis that drainage results in increased C emissions and therefore increased RF of peatlands. The negative radiative forcing due to drainage is caused by increases in CO₂ sequestration in peat (‐‐0.5 mW m^‐‐2), tree stands and wood products (‐‐0.8 mW m^‐‐2), decreases in CH₄ emissions from peat to the atmosphere (‐‐1.6 mW m^‐‐2), and only a small increase in N₂O emissions (+0.1 mW m^‐‐2). Although the calculations presented include many uncertainties, the above results are considered qualitatively reliable and may be expected to be valid also for Scandinavian countries and Russia, where most forestry‐drained peatlands occur outside Finland.