The Effect of Microwave Irradiation on the Turnover Rate of Serotonin and Norepinephrine and the Effect on Monoamine Metabolizing Enzymes.
Abstract
The research program was directed at detecting neurochemical alterations in laboratory animals exposed to microwave irradiation at levels of 10 mW/sq 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)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0729161
Entities
People
- Solomon H. Snyder
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University