Transbilayer movement of 24Na in sonicated phosphatidylcholine vesicles exposed to frequency‐modulated microwave radiation

Sonicated egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles loaded with 24Na+ were exposed at 20mW to a frequency-modulated (3 Hz) microwave field in the range of 2350 to 2550 MHz, or at 80 mW to a 2450-MHz CW (continuous wave) field, in a waveguide. The vesicle suspension absorbed microwaves at about 1 mW/ml and 25 mW/ml (CW experiment). The average temperature change of the irradiated suspension was less than 0.1 degree C from ambient. Leakage of 24Na+ from the vesicles for up to 19 hours was measured. No difference was noted in the movement of 24Na+ from the vesicles in the irradiated and control dispersions.