Study of the use of the microwave magnetic field for the rapid inactivation of brain enzymes.

A new model of a microwave device was developed with a power of 10 kW at 2450 MHz. In order to accomplish even distribution of heating with minimum trauma and with a maximum certainty about enzyme inactivation, a modified magnetic field distribution was utilized rather than the conventional electric field. An integrated tuning system was used to increase efficiency and distribution of microwave energy absorption. This increased the ability of the instrument to properly inactivate the enzymes in the brain of both mice and large rats. In general, the time of irradiation for the rat was 600 to 900 msec and for the mice, 100 to 330 msec. The animal chambers used were designed so as not to impair breathing or too severely restrict movement. The effects of these improvements on microwave irradiation were confirmed by 1) observation of brain appearance, 2) effects on succinic dehydrogenase and cholinesterase activity, 3) measurement of regional temperatures in the animal's brain, 4) thermograms of the brain, 5) electron microscopic examination of brain tissue and 6) measurement of endogenous acetylcholine and catecholamines.