Physiological effects of thermode and microwave stimulation of peripheral nerves

Abstract

Physiological effects produced in cats, dogs, rabbits, and rats by microwave irradiation (3-cm radar and 12.2-cm Microtherm) are duplicated in these animals by heating peripheral nerves with a warm-water or resistance-wire thermode. Identical effects occur when a temperature ranging between 45–47 C is attained by either of these means at a treated peripheral nerve or within tissue rich in peripheral nerve fibers. The response elicited by thermode or microwave stimulation includes arousal reactions, blood pressure and vascular responses, and signs of neurohumoral activity. We have demonstrated that the physiological effect of microwave radiation is a result of thermal stimulation of peripheral nerves which occurs independently of a significant increase in skin temperature or of total body heating.