Sustained 35-GHz radiofrequency irradiation induces circulatory failure

The objective of this study was to determine the thermal distribution and concomitant cardiovascular changes produced by whole-body exposure of ketamine-anesthetized rats to radiofrequency radiation of millimeter wave (MMW) length. Rats (n = 13) were implanted with a flow probe on the superior mesenteric artery and with a catheter in the carotid artery for the measurement of arterial blood pressure. Temperature was measured at five sites: left (Tsl) and right subcutaneous (sides toward and away From the MMW source, respectively), colonic (Tc), tympanic, and tail. The animals were exposed until death to MMW (35 GHz) at a power density that resulted in a whole-body specific absorption rate of 13 W/kg. During irradiation, the Tsl increase was significantly greater than the Tc increase. Heart rate increased throughout irradiation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) as well maintained until Tsl reached 42 degrees C, at which point MAP declined until death. Mesenteric vascular resistance tended to increase during the early stages of irradiation but began to decrease at Tsl > or = 41 degrees C. The declines in both mesenteric vascular resistance and MAP began at Tc < 37.5 degrees C; death occurred at Tc = 40.3 +/- .3 degrees C and Tsl = 48.0 +/- .4 degrees C. These data indicate that circulatory failure and subsequent death may occur when skin temperature is rapidly elevated, even in the presence of relatively normal Tc.