[Effects of whole-body microwave exposure on the plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones in rats].

To investigate the effects of whole-body microwave exposure on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3) levels, rats weighing 267-306 g (light group) and 352-387 g (heavy group) were exposed to microwaves with a frequency of 2,450 MHz at the power densities of 5 and 10 mW/cm2 under an ambient temperature of 21 degrees C to 23 degrees C for an hour. Rectal temperatures were increased by 1.0 degrees C at 5 mW/cm2 and 2.1 degrees C at 10 mW/cm2 in the light group, and by 0.7 degrees C at 5 mW/cm2 and 1.5 degrees C at 10 mW/cm2 in the heavy group after microwave exposure. Plasma levels of ACTH increased significantly at 10 mW/cm2 in the light group and 5 and 10 mW/cm2 in the heavy group after microwave exposure. Plasma levels of TSH increased significantly at 10 mW/cm2 only in the light group. As for plasma levels of free T3, a significant decrease at 10 mW/cm2 was observed only in the heavy group. However, plasma levels of T4 did not change in either group after microwave exposure.