Influence of millimeter wave radiation on visual electrophysiological functions of rabbit

doi:10.3321/j.issn:1673-8225.2001.10.022

Abstract：Objective To explore millimeter wave effects on the visual electrophysiological function, and to offer the experimental basis for determining of damaging threshold of millimeter wave radiation. Method 18 New Zealand rabbits were equally divided into 3groups according to the different radiated dosage. We used 35GHz millimeter wave to radiate the raddit's eyes for 1 hour. The power densities were 35mW/cm2. The visual electrophysiological functions were tested before and after radiation at various times. Result The results showed that after radiation with power density of 35mW/em2 immediately, the ampitude of b wave in flicker electroretinogram(F-ERG) was decreased and recovered the next day. With the power density of 10mW/cm2, the F-ERG was normal, but the chronaxy of P wave in flickervisual evoled potential(F-VEP) was restored after radiation at 24 hours, and recovered at 48 hours after radiation which prompted that theretinal neuron exitabities was inhibited by millimeter wave radiation with major power densities, and the neuronal exitabities in visual center was enhanced by radiation with minor power densities. These changes were all reversible. Conclusion We concluded that millimetre wave radiations not only have direct effects on cornea but also have indirect effects on retinas and visual centers.