Microwave and Infra-red Effects on Heart Rate, Respiration Rate and Subcutaneous Temperature of The Rabbit

Microwaves (CW, 2.4 GHz) were used to irradiate the dorsal aspect of the head of unanesthetized rabbits at power levels from 0 to 80 mW/cm2. Respiration rate, heart rate and subcutaneous temperature were monitored. Increases in all 3 indices resulted, with the greatest increases at the highest power levels. Respiration rate increases were 20 times greater than those in the heart rate.CW and pulsed microwaves at 2.8 Ghz, 20 mW/cm2 average power level, were used to irradiate the entire dorsal surface of the animal. No significant difference in any of the 3 indices between the CW and pulsed responses could be detected.CW 2.4 GHz microwave and infra-red whole back irradiations were carried out at 0, 10, and 20 mW/cm2 levels. Although respiration and heart rate changes were substantially the same, subcutaneous temperature increased more rapidly and rose to higher values for the infra-red case.