Journal of Microwave Power
and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE) |
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TITLE |
Slow and Rapid Responses to Pulsed Microwave Radiation by
Individual Aplysia Pacemakers [PDF] |
AUTHORS |
R. L. Seaman and H. Wachtel 1978 13 1 77-86 |
YEAR |
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PAGES |
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Abstract Specific absorption rates (SARs) of microwave energy that altered firing rates were
determined for individual pacemaker neurons in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica. A stripline apparatus provided both for artifact
free recording of transmembrane potentials and for
precise determination of the rate of absorption of microwave energy. Exposure
for two to three minutes at an SAR of only a few mW/g was capable of changing
the firing rate of some pacemakers. Two types of responses were observed. The
response that was seen in all neurons developed slowly, reaching a steady
state in one to three minutes. The other response was seen in a few neurons
and occurred within five seconds from the onset of irradiation. Similar
responses were obtained for two microwave frequencies, 1.5 and 2.45 GHz.
Pulsed radiation induced rapid changes of firing rate more readily than did
CW radiation at the same SAR. A convective heating scheme was used to study
the effects of temperature changes on the pacemakers' firing rates. Since all
of the responses are not readily explained by general heating of the
preparation, alternate mechanisms are suggested for the observed effects. |