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Clinico-morphological and biochemical changes in experimental microwave cataracts

Bioeffects Seen

Grechuskina, V.A. · 1972

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Rabbits exposed to medium-intensity microwaves developed cataracts that later regressed, accompanied by reduced ascorbic acid and thiol groups in the lens.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Cataracts developed in 23 rabbits, appearing first in the posterior lens suture and later regressing over two to three months. During cataract formation, ascorbic acid and thiol groups in the lens decreased sharply. During regression, ascorbic acid and thiol group levels returned to normal.

Why This Matters

Younger rabbits developed opacity immediately after exposure, while older rabbits showed opacity after 3 to 7 days. Five older rabbits were sacrificed right after exposure to test if biochemical changes precede lens opacity. The cataract grew in a lace-like pattern but did not spread to the equatorial region. Morphological examination revealed homogenization and fiber separation in the posterior lens cortex, while the equatorial region was unaffected. Irreversible iris changes including sphincter hypertrophy and pigment destruction were also observed.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 2375 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 2375 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 15 minutes

Cite This Study
Grechuskina, V.A. (1972). Clinico-morphological and biochemical changes in experimental microwave cataracts.
Show BibTeX
@article{clinico_morphological_and_biochemical_changes_in_experimental_microwave_cataract_g6051,
  author = {Grechuskina and V.A.},
  title = {Clinico-morphological and biochemical changes in experimental microwave cataracts},
  year = {1972},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

Cataracts appeared first in the posterior lens suture, grew in a lace-like pattern, and regressed over 2 to 3 months.
During cataract formation, ascorbic acid and thiol groups in the lens decreased sharply, while dehydroascorbic acid did not change. During regression, ascorbic acid and thiol group levels returned to normal.
They argued against a purely thermal mechanism because lens temperature rose only 5.39°C and returned to normal within 15 minutes, and other studies with similar heating did not cause cataracts.
All rabbits showed irreversible hypertrophy of the iris sphincter and varying degrees of pigment destruction.