Microwave Heating Effect on the Dog Thyroid Gland

Dog thyroid glands were exposed in vivo to 2450 MHz, CW microwave fields for 2 h using a dielectrically loaded waveguide applicator. Specific absorption rates of 58, 131, and 190 W/kg in the center of the thyroid gland resulted in temperatures of 38-39°C, 40-42°C, and 44-46°C, respectively. An increase in the heated gland's thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), release rate was observed. This result demonstrates that the dog thyroid gland can be directly stimulated by microwave heating.