ID Number		594
Study Type		In Vivo
Model		27 MHz (CW) exposure to rabbits and analysis of kidney pathology
Details		New Zealand white rabbits were exposed to 27.12 MHz (CW) RF at E-fields of 1100 +/- 800 V/m for 3 wks, 5 days/wk in a diathermy apparatus (Siemens Ultratherm Model 608) at diathermy levels of increasing duration (10 min on day 1, 15 min on day 2, and 20 min days 3-5) with electrodes placed 2 cm from the lateral walls of the cage proximal to the renal area of the animals. The cage environment was maintained at 22°C. Rectal temperature of the animals increased 2-3°C but never exceeded 41°C. Animals were sacrificed either immediately or 5 months after exposure, and kidneys were removed and analyzed using light & electron microscopy. Diathermic RF exposure resulted in nephropathy including tubular necrosis, glomerular sclerosis, and membranous nephropathy. The authors concluded from the nature of the nephropathy that diathermic RF exposure elicited an autoimmune process resulting in kidney degeneration.
Findings		Effects (only at thermal levels)
Status		Completed With Publication
Principal Investigator		National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
Funding Agency		Private/Instit.
Country		ITALY
References		Accinni, L et al. Exp. Mol. Pathol., (1988) 49:22-37
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