[Are microwaves a co-teratogen? Experimental model concept and its verification]

Microwave radiation does not result in development of congenital malformations in mice until hyperthermia is evoked. However, in the literature it is well established that certain environmental and occupational factors not being teratogenic per se may enhance and/or influence potency of established teratogens. As concerns the microwave radiation there are results suggesting cocarcinogenic properties of this radiation. In view of the above we set the hypothesis that microwave radiation may also interfere with teratogenic potency of the established teratogens. For the experiment we selected cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) under the trade name of Cytosar, produced by the Upjohn Co. The scheme of our experiment included injection of pregnant mice with 10 mg per kg of are-C on various days of gestation and further also irradiation in microwaves fields at power density of 10 mW/cm2. After checking the teratogenic potency of ara-C in further study on combination of ara-C and microwaves all the mice from the experimental groups were injected on the 9th day of gestation. The significant increase of the incidence of both malformations and resorptions was observed after combined action of are-C and microwaves. We conclude that the experimental pattern of teratogenic action of are-C can be used widely in experiments on combination with other environmental and occupational factors.