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Influence of microwave exposure on chlordiazepoxide effects in the mouse staircase test
R M Quock1, B J Klauenberg, W D Hurt
1Radiofrequency Radiation Division, Armstrong Laboratory, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5301.
Abstract:
To ascertain whether behavioral effects of benzodiazepines are altered by exposure to microwave radiation, we compared the performance of male, Swiss CD1 mice in the staircase test 30 min after pretreatment with chlordiazepoxide (8, 16, and 32 mg/kg, IP) and immediately following a 5-min exposure to microwave radiation (4, 12, and 36 W/kg, continuous wave, 1.8 or 4.7 GHz). In this paradigm, chlordiazepoxide reduction in the number of rears (NR) and number of steps ascended (NSA) is postulated to reflect anxiolytic and sedative drug effects, respectively. In sham-exposed mice, increasing doses of chlordiazepoxide increased NSA without affecting NR, increased NSA and decreased NR, then decreased both NSA and NR. Microwave exposure generally did not alter NSA or NR in mice pretreated with lower doses of chlordiazepoxide. However, in mice pretreated with 32 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide, exposure to 36 W/kg microwave radiation significantly reversed the reductions in NSA and NR at 4.7 GHz but not at 1.8 GHz. These findings indicate that exposure to microwave radiation can selectively alter effects of chlordiazepoxide in this psychopharmacological paradigm.
Insights
Microwave radiation exposure can alter how chlordiazepoxide affects mouse behavior. High-intensity microwave exposure reversed sedative and anxiolytic effects of this benzodiazepine in mice.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are widely used for their anxiolytic and sedative properties.
- The potential impact of non-ionizing radiation, such as microwaves, on drug efficacy is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if microwave radiation exposure modifies the behavioral effects of chlordiazepoxide in mice.
- To determine the specific parameters of microwave exposure that might influence chlordiazepoxide's actions.
Main Methods:
- Male Swiss CD1 mice were pretreated with varying doses of chlordiazepoxide.
- Mice were then exposed to different intensities and frequencies of microwave radiation (continuous wave, 1.8 or 4.7 GHz).
- Behavioral performance was assessed using the staircase test, measuring the number of rears (NR) and number of steps ascended (NSA).
Main Results:
- Chlordiazepoxide administration led to dose-dependent changes in NSA and NR, reflecting sedative and anxiolytic effects.
- Microwave exposure at lower doses did not significantly alter the drug's effects.
- Exposure to 36 W/kg microwave radiation at 4.7 GHz significantly reversed the chlordiazepoxide-induced reductions in NSA and NR.
Conclusions:
- Microwave radiation exposure can selectively modulate the behavioral pharmacology of benzodiazepines.
- The frequency and intensity of microwave exposure are critical factors in altering drug effects.
- These findings highlight the need for further research into the interaction between electromagnetic fields and neuroactive drugs.