Search for microwave-sensitive structures and functions in the nervous system

Effects of continuous wave (CW) microwave exposure (6,5 GHz, 0.1-2 kW/kg, 0.1-20 min) were studied in isolated frog spinal cord preparation. In constant-temperature conditions microwaves didn´t influence nerve function, including fiber conduction, monoand polysynaptic transmission, pre- and postsynaptic inhibition, summation, dorsal root potentials, modifiability, pacemaker activity and spontaneous motoneurone discharges. Microwave heating evoked the same changes as the equivalent conventional heating. Microwave exposure didn´t modify the damaging effect of high temperature and hypoxia. The same results were obtained using some other wavelengths and various isolated preparations: snail neurones, earthworm giant axon and newborn rat spinal cord. The conclusion was made that short-term CW microwave exposure had no non-thermal effect on nerve function.