Microwave Heating Effect on the Dog Thyroid Gland

Dog thyroid glands were exposed in vivo to 2450 MHz, CW microwave fields for 2 h using a dielectrically loaded waveguide applicator. Specific absorption rates of 58, 131, and 190 W/kg in the center of the thyroid gland resulted in temperatures of 38-39°C, 40-42°C, and 44-46°C, respectively. An increase in the heated gland´s thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), release rate was observed. This result demonstrates that the dog thyroid gland can be directly stimulated by microwave heating.