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Platelet-activating factor does not mediate circulatory failure induced by 35-GHz microwave heating
K L Ryan1, J R Jauchem, M R Tehrany
1Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Bioeffects Division, Radio Frequency Radiation Branch, Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
|August 10, 2002
Summary
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) does not cause hypotension or circulatory failure in rats exposed to 35-GHz microwave heating. This study found no evidence that PAF plays a role in these radiofrequency radiation effects.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetic bioeffects
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- 35-GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure causes hyperthermia, hypotension, and circulatory failure in rats.
- The precise physiological mechanism behind RFR-induced circulatory failure remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in mediating hypotension induced by 35-GHz microwave (MW) heating.
- To determine if blocking the PAF receptor can prevent or reverse MW heating-induced hypotension and circulatory failure.
Main Methods:
- Anesthetized rats were exposed to 35-GHz MW heating.
- Physiological parameters including arterial blood pressure, ECG, and temperature were monitored.
- The PAF-receptor antagonist WEB 2086 was administered post-hypotension induction or as a pretreatment.
Main Results:
- Administration of WEB 2086 did not reverse hypotension or improve survival time after MW heating-induced circulatory failure.
- Pretreatment with WEB 2086 did not alter blood pressure, temperature responses, or survival time during MW heating.
- MW heating did not affect blood PAF levels or serum/lung PAF acetylhydrolase activity.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-activating factor (PAF) does not mediate the hypotensive effects or circulatory failure induced by 35-GHz MW heating in rats.
- These findings exclude PAF as a significant factor in the acute physiological response to this specific RFR exposure.
