Accession Number:

AD0729161

Title:

The Effect of Microwave Irradiation on the Turnover Rate of Serotonin and Norepinephrine and the Effect on Monoamine Metabolizing Enzymes.

Descriptive Note:

Rept. no. 2 (Final), Jun 67-May 71,

Corporate Author:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD DEPT OF PHARMACOLOGY

Personal Author(s):

• Snyder,Solomon H.

Report Date:

1971-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

33.0

Abstract:

The research program was directed at detecting neurochemical alterations in laboratory animals exposed to microwave irradiation at levels of 10 mWsq cm. At this low level of irradiation, it was found that after 7 days exposure for 8 hours per day, there was a marked slowing of the serotonin turnover rate which was accompanied by a slight decrease in the activity of tryptophan decarboxylase and 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase. This suggests that microwave irradiation decreased the firing rate of serotonin neurons in the brain. Since these neurons are known to participate in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness as well as body temperature, the findings may account for certain of the behavioral effects purportedly produced by microwave exposure. Author

Descriptors:

• *SEROTONIN
• *RADIATION EFFECTS
• *NEUROLOGY
• *NOREPINEPHRINE
• RADIATION EFFECTS
• RADIATION EFFECTS
• RADIATION EFFECTS
• RATS
• BRAIN
• ENZYMES
• TRYPTOPHAN

Subject Categories:

• Radiobiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE