Microwave-Induced Cataracts of the Eye Lens: Strategies for Modelling and Prevention in vitro and in vivo.
Abstract
Over the period of this contract, the initial aims of this project were to develop techniques for incubating intact rat lenses in vitro in order to study the development of cataracts when lenses are exposed to constant wave (CW) and pulsed microwave irradiation. We planned to (1) establish minimum cataractogenic SARs for irradiation in vitro and (2) investigate the mechanisms of cataractogenesis in such lenses. The results of the irradiation indicated that the effect of the electromagnetic radiation itself could be considered to be equivalent to heating, since at the highest dose rate and 37 deg C, large globules were formed, which would otherwise have been reported only at 47 deg C, equivalent to a temperature elevation of 10 deg C. Pulsed irradiation at high SAR values appeared to result in holes in the surface of cells, consistent with the idea that thermoacoustic expansion is causing mechanical damage to cell membranes. An estimate of amount of damage experienced as a result of total dose level of microwaves was consistent with the idea that the amount of damage is roughly proportional to the total dose delivered to the lens, and that a reciprocal relationship exists between dose rate and time required to cause a defined amount of globular degeneration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA194799
Entities
People
- John R. Trevithick
Organizations
- Western University