Advances in microwave-induced neuroendocrine effects: The concept of stress

Recent evidence indicates that neuroendocrine effects are induced by microwave exposure with a threshold intensity required for the onset of the response. The level of that threshold is dependent upon intensity and duration of exposure. The threshold can vary with the given endocrine parameter studied. The level of that threshold is yet unclear due to conflicting reports of effect in chronic or repeatedly exposed populations of man or experimental animals. The response of the endocrine systems appears to be a nonspecific stress reaction in the case of adrenocortical and growth hormone changes, but it is apparently a metabolically specific response to increased energy input in the case of pituitary-thyroid changes.