The Effects of Weak Microwave Exposure on the Functional Activity of Mouse Immune Cells

Whole body microwave sinusoidal irradiation of male NMRI mice with 8.1518.00 GHz (1 Hz within) at a power density of 1 μW/cm² caused a significant enhancement of antibody production, T cell proliferation, TNF production, and NK cell activity in NMRI mice. Microwave radiation affected T cells, facilitating their capacity to proliferate in response to mitogenic stimulation. Repeated whole body low power density microwave irradiation of male NMRI mice daily for 1.5 h significantly enhanced TNF production in splenic T lymphocytes, increased antibody concentration in peripheral blood plasma, and stimulated natural killer cell activity. Microwaves proved to be most effective when the initial immune response was weak. Whole-body irradiation with 8.15-18.00 GHz microwaves increased cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells in mice to 130-150 % of control value. Long-term effect of exposure to microwave radiation holds great promise for future medical applications in adjuvant therapy. The role of microwaves as a factor interfering with cell immunity is discussed.