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The hypothesis that there exist hypersensitive persons who perceive subjective symptoms from radiofrequency (RF) fields emitted by hand held mobile phones (cellular phones) was tested using double blind provocation experiments. We also tested whether sensitive subjects are able to determine whether the phone is on or off by sensing RF fields. The study group consisted of 20 volunteers (13 women and 7 men) who reported themselves as being sensitive to cellular phones. The RF exposure sources were one analogue NMT phone (900 MHz) and two digital GSM phones (900 and 1800 MHz). The duration of a test session was 30 min, and three or four sessions were performed in random order for each subject during 1 day. The subjects were asked to report symptoms or sensations as soon as they perceived any abnormal feelings. In addition, the subjects' blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing frequency were monitored every 5 min. The results of the study indicated that various symptoms were reported, and most of them appeared in the head region. However, the number of reported symptoms was higher during sham exposure than during real exposure conditions. In addition, none of the test persons could distinguish real RF exposure from sham exposure. Hence, we conclude that adverse subjective symptoms or sensations, though unquestionably perceived by the test subjects, were not produced by cellular phones., (Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Objectives: It is quite likely that non-visible electromagnetic fields (EMF) may affect melatonin production. Some studies confirmed this hypothesis and showed that extremely low EMF altered pineal function in animals and humans. Thus, it is reasonable to suppose that EMF emitted by cellular phones may also influence secretion of melatonin. The present study sought to evaluate possible effect of the exposure to EMF emitted by cellular phone on 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) excretion, which reflects melatonin levels in blood., Material and Methods: The examined group consisted of 9 healthy males aged 19-29 years. The experiment was performed under controlled conditions (the light intensity-50 lx till midnight and 0 lx during night). Each person was examined twice: on a day without exposure (control day, C-day) and on a day with continuous exposure (60 min. exposure from cellular phone, frequency 900 MHz, pulsed with 217 Hz, pulse with 576 micros, SAR 1.23 W/kg, E-day). From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. they used a cellular phone. The subjects did not know which day was E-day, and which was C-day. From 8 p.m. till midnight the subjects listened to music and than they slept till 7 a.m. next day. Urine samples were collected at 7 p.m., at midnight, and at 7 a.m. in the same way in C-day as in E-day. Sample were frozen for later ELISA analysis of 6-OHMS. The 6-OHMS ELISA kit from Immuno-Biological Laboratories (Hamburg) was used for measurement of 6-OHMS. The data were analysed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test for each subject and for the whole group. We compared 6-OHMS level on the E-day and on the C-day separately for 3 time-points - 7 p.m., midnight, 7 a.m., Results: Mean 6-OHMS level in both experiments did not differ significantly for any of the respective time points. Circadian variations of 6-OHMS level were detected in all subjects., Conclusions: The results of our investigation has demonstrated that EMF emitted by cellular phones has no distinct influence on the melatonin level.

We examined the effects of phosphatidylcholine liposomes (PCL) upon the contractile vascular dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and gamma-irradiated (60Co, 6 Gy) rats and rabbits. A significant impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation was evident in both SHR and irradiated animals. An important novel finding of these experiments is that the impairment was mainly due to the loss of NO-dependent component of relaxation, with the component of relaxation mediated by EDHF being preserved. PCL were found to restore endothelium-dependent relaxation in both SHR and the irradiated vascular tissues. It is important to note that irradiated animals exhibited distinct and sustained signs of hypertension (blood pressure (BP) increased from 122 +/- 8 to 185 +/- 6 mm Hg). Being administered in a single dose of 30 mg/kg, 1 h after irradiation, PCL prevented hypertension development in an early post-irradiated period (9 days). At a later post-irradiated period (6 months), PCL in the single dose lost such a protective effect. Single administration of PCL in SHR led to a transient decrease in BP, but their repeated daily administration caused a persistent decrease in BP up to its normalization as early as in 4 days. These results suggest that PCL possess hypotensive activities due to their ability to normalize endothelial function.

With using computer database of the heliogeophysical situation during 70 years and the computer program "HELIOS" we estimate the degree of the influence of the magnetic field of the Earth at the embrional period of human organism. We carry out the express-diagnosis of magnetic sensitiveness level by means of the method of dosage magnetic loads at the time of magnetic storms. Persons with high magnetic sensitiveness (65% of the population) at the Extreme North experience the threat of the fail of stable working functional systems and developing pathologic states. The technology of their non-medicine prevention and correction were worked out. At the first time it was shown the dependence of pathological manifestations in various functional systems of human organism on expresses of the solar and magnetic activities at concrete periods of embriogeny. "Embrio-heliophysical patterns" were revealed for various pathological states. The using of worked out ways of prognosis and diagnosis of the functional dependence of human organism on heliogeophysical factors in various periods of ontogeny allows not only to introduce new criteria of the selection of people at the Extreme North but also to leave to physicians exceptional abilities for prevention of many diseases.

Acute effects of locally applied static magnetic fields (SMF) on pharmacologically altered blood pressure (BP) in a central artery of the ear lobe of a conscious rabbit were evaluated. Hypotensive and vasodilator actions were induced by a Ca(2+) channel blocker, nicardipine (NIC). Hypertensive and vasoconstrictive actions were induced by a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The hemodynamic changes in the artery exposed to SMF were measured continuously and analyzed by penetrating microphotoelectric plethysmography (MPPG). Concurrently, BP changes in a central artery contralateral to that of the exposed ear lobe were monitored. SMF intensity was 1 mT and the duration of exposure was 30 min. A total of 180 experimental trials were carried out in 34 healthy adult male rabbits weighing 2.6-3.8 kg. Six experimental procedures were chosen at random: (1) sham exposure without pharmacological treatment; (2) SMF exposure alone; (3) decreased BP induced by a single intravenous (iv) bolus injection of NIC (100 microM/kg) without SMF exposure; (4) decreased BP induced by injection of NIC with SMF exposure; (5) increased BP induced by a constant iv infusion of L-NAME (10 mM/kg/h) without SMF exposure; (6) increased BP induced by infusion of L-NAME with SMF exposure. The results demonstrated that SMF significantly reduced the vasodilatation with enhanced vasomotion and antagonized the reduction of BP via NIC-blocked Ca(2+) channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, SMF significantly attenuated the vasoconstriction and suppressed the elevation of BP via NOS inhibition in vascular endothelial cells and/or central nervous system neurons. These results suggest that these modulatory effects of SMF on BP might, in part, involve a feedback control system for alteration in NOS activity in conjunction with modulation of Ca(2+) dynamics., (Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The efficiency of low-intensity laser radiation (LILR) was studied in the treatment of 291 patients with arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Clinical grounds are given for use of LILR red and infrared rays in rehabilitation of hypertensive patients with ischemia. The rehabilitation regimens can be differentiated according to the disease severity, type of hemodynamics, state of cerebral circulation.

Datta, P. K., Moulder, J. E., Fish, B. L., Cohen, E. P. and Lianos, E. A. Induction of Heme Oxygenase 1 in Radiation Nephropathy: Role of Angiotensin II. Radiat. Res. 155, 734-739 (2001). In a rat model of radiation-induced nephropathy, we investigated changes in expression of heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1, also known as HO-1), an enzyme that catalyzes conversion of heme into biliverdin, carbon monoxide and iron. The study explored whether radiation induces Hmox1 expression in the irradiated kidney and whether angiotensin II (AII) mediates Hmox1 expression in glomeruli isolated from irradiated kidneys. To assess the effects of radiation on Hmox1 expression, rats received 20 Gy bilateral renal irradiation and were randomized to groups receiving an AII type 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonist (L-158,809) or no treatment. Drug treatment began 9 days prior to bilateral renal irradiation and continued for the duration of the study. Estimation of Hmox1 levels in glomerular protein lysates assessed by Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in Hmox1 protein at 50 and 65 days postirradiation. In animals treated with the AT(1) receptor antagonist, there was no induction of Hmox1, suggesting that AII may be a mediator of Hmox1 induction. To confirm that AII stimulates Hmox1 expression, animals were infused with 200, 400 or 800 ng/kg min(-1) of AII for 18-19 days, and Hmox1 protein levels in glomeruli were assessed. There was a significant induction of Hmox1 in glomeruli of animals infused with 800 ng/kg min(-1) of AII. These studies demonstrate that glomerular Hmox1 expression is elevated in the middle phase of radiation nephropathy and that AII can increase glomerular Hmox1 levels.

Brain lateral light-colour stimulation-induced changes in bulbar microcirculation were studied in 47 patients (29 male and 18 female subjects) with chronic glomerulonephritis. After stimulation, a drop in arterial pressure was noted together with a decrease in red cell aggregation, dilation of arteries, increase in the number of functioning capillaries and in the velocity of microcirculation. A conclusion has been reached that the above stimulations can be an effective method for improvement of microcirculation in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis.

There is a growing interest in performing intravascular interventions guided by MR imaging--a technique which offers the possibility of flow measurements during the intervention. For a reliable assessment of the haemodynamic significance of a stenosis, the flow and the pressure decay within the stenosis should both be measured. We have developed an optical, MR-compatible, pressure sensor (Annupres) that uses a novel annular element. Existing optical pressure sensors measure pressures unilaterally, thus giving rise to artefacts because of the dependence of the measurement on the angular orientation of the aperture. The annular element, however, measures blood pressure on all sides, and we show that by using circularly polarized light this pressure measurement is intrinsically insensitive to rotation of the sensor around its long axis. The Annupres sensor has been tested in an experimental set-up, and was able to measure pressures from 50 mmHg to 180 mmHg reliably with an accuracy of 1.5%.

Helio-geomagnetic influences on the human circulation are investigated on the basis of an 11-year-long record from a clinically healthy cardiologist, 35 years of age at the start of monitoring. He measured his blood pressure and heart rate around the clock with an ambulatory monitor programmed to inflate an arm cuff, mostly at intervals of 15-30 minutes, with only few interruptions, starting in August 1987. While monitoring is continuing, data collected up to July 1998 are analyzed herein by cosinor rhythmometry and cross-spectral coherence with matching records of solar activity, gauged by Wolf numbers (WN) and of the geomagnetic disturbance index, Kp. A direct association between heart rate (HR) and WN is found to be solar cycle stage-dependent, whereas an inverse relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and WN is found consistently. An inverse relation is also observed between WN and the variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP), and to a lesser extent, diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Moreover, HR is cross-spectrally coherent with WN at a frequency of one cycle in about 7.33 months. The results support previously reported associations on morbidity and mortality statistics, extending their scope to human physiology monitored longitudinally.

Aim: To study mechanisms of action of natural magnetic field of the Earth on arterial pressure (AP) and melatonin production in patients with essential hypertension (EH) stage II., Material and Methods: Clinical, laboratory and device investigations covered 52 men with EH stage II (mean age 42 +/- 0.92 years) and 11 healthy men (mean age 23 +/- 1.46 years). Mean 24-hour, mean daytime, mean night systolic and diastolic pressures, 24-h index, time hypertensive index, standard deviation were registered. Melatonin was measured in the urine by radioimmunoassay. Geomagnetic situation was assessed by K-index (quiet--under 15, disturbed--15-25, magnetic storm--above 25)., Results: In hypertensive patients AP grew with growth of geomagnetic activity. In normal subjects AP remained normal. The 24-h rhythm of AP variability in hypertensives was normal. Magnetic storm affected melatonin production in EH patients noticeably: night and daytime production of melatonin was low. In normal subjects night melatonin production was high., Conclusion: AH stage II patients respond to magnetic storm with maladaptation, i.e. a rise in AP and low melatonin production.

Catecholamines, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are known to participate in the central control of blood pressure. However, the modulation of these neurotransmitter receptors in response to a hypertensive stimulus is not appropriately established. The purpose of the present study was to examine binding parameters of alpha(2)-adrenergic, NPY and Ang II receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) following a hypertensive stimulus in the aortic-coarcted rat by means of quantitative receptor autoradiography. No changes were seen in binding parameters of alpha(2)-adrenergic and NPY receptors in the NTS of the hypertensive rat compared to control. However, an increased affinity (54%) of noradrenaline competing for 3H-PAC was seen in the PVN. Moreover, an increased binding (49%) of 125I-PYY was also observed in the PVN. The affinity of Ang II for 125I-Sar(1)Ile(8)-Ang II binding sites was also increased (57%) in the NTS of the hypertensive rat. No changes in the binding parameters of radioactive Ang II were observed in the PVN. The results suggest that systems involved with hypertension like Ang II in the NTS and catecholamines in the PVN might collaborate in the development/maintenance of high blood pressure in the aortic-coarcted rat.

Relatively large thermal gradients may exist during exposure of an animal to microwaves (MWs), particularly at high frequencies. Differences in thermal gradients within the body may lead to noticeable differences in the magnitude of cardiovascular changes resulting from MW exposure. This study compares the thermal distribution and cardiovascular effects of exposure to a single MW frequency with effects of simultaneous exposure to two frequencies. Ketamine-anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 58) were exposed individually to one of three conditions: 1-GHz, 10-GHz, or combined 1- and 10-GHz MWs at an equivalent whole-body specific absorption rate of 12 W/kg. The continuous-wave irradiation was conducted under far-field conditions with animals in E orientation (left lateral exposure, long axis parallel to the electric field) or in H orientation (left lateral exposure, long axis perpendicular to the electric field). Irradiation was started when colonic temperature was 37.5 degrees C and was continued until lethal temperatures were attained. Colonic, tympanic, left and right subcutaneous, and tail temperatures, and arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate were continuously recorded. In both E and H orientations, survival time (i.e., time from colonic temperature of 37.5 degrees C until death) was lowest in animals exposed at 1-GHz, intermediate in those exposed at 1- and 10-GHz combined, and greatest in the 10-GHz group (most differences statistically significant). At all sites (with the exception of right subcutaneous), temperature values in the 1- and 10-GHz combined group were between those of the single-frequency exposure groups in both E and H orientations. During irradiation, arterial blood pressure initially increased and then decreased until death. Heart rate increased throughout the exposure period. The general, overall patterns of these changes were similar in all groups. The results indicate that no unusual physiological responses occur during multi-frequency MW exposure, when compared with results of single-frequency exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 21:159-166, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The method of hydro- and balneo-laser therapy is highly effective in optimization of adaptation, improvement in physical and cardiac performance. However examination of data in the comparative aspect showed that balneo-laser therapy is a more effective treatment option compared to hydro-laser therapy.

Background and Objective: The aim of study this was to evaluate in vivo the pulpal blood flow rate, pulpal responsiveness, systemic blood pressure, and pulse rate during Nd:YAG laser irradiation of an isolated tooth., Study Design/materials and Methods: Thirteen volunteers from the Tsurumi Dental University faculty participated in this study after giving their consent to the Nd:YAG laser irradiation test protocol. Gingivobuccal areas adjacent to mandibular canines were used for clinical evaluation. Each area was coated with India ink and treated with a Nd:YAG laser for 30 sec at 120-mJ pulses at 10 pulses/sec. Pulpal blood flow was measured by a laser Doppler flowmeter during Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the tooth. All pulp responses were measured by an electric pulp tester before and after Nd:YAG laser irradiation. In addition, the systemic blood pressure and pulse rate were monitored throughout the laser irradiation procedure., Results: For all subjects involved in this study, the pulpal blood flow rate increased during laser irradiation. Threshold values of the electric pulp tests increased in six cases and decreased in six cases. One case showed no change. After 1 month, the threshold values for each subject had returned to previously recorded values. Neither systemic blood pressure nor pulse rate was affected during Nd:YAG laser irradiation. Pulpal blood flow was strongly influenced immediately after Nd:YAG laser irradiation, seen as an increase in the flow rate., Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that effects of the Nd:YAG laser irradiation are similar to those of low power laser for the improvement of local blood flow., (Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The ultrawide-band (UWB) electromagnetic pulses are used as a new modality in radar technology. Biological effects of extremely high peak E-field, fast rise time, ultrashort pulse width, and ultrawide band have not been investigated heretofore due to the lack of animal exposure facilities. A new biological effects database is needed to establish personnel protection guidelines for these new type of radiofrequency radiation. Functional indices of the cardiovascular system (heart rate, systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures) were selected to represent biological end points that may be susceptible to the UWB radiation. A noninvasive tail-cuff photoelectric sensor sphygmomanometer was used. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were subjected to sham exposure, 0.5-kHz (93 kV/m, 180 ps rise time, 1.00 ns pulse width, whole-body averaged specific absorption rate, SAR = 70 mW/kg) or a 1-kHz (85 kV/m, 200 ps rise time, 1.03 ns pulse width, SAR = 121 mW/kg) UWB fields in a tapered parallel plate GTEM cell for 6 min. Cardiovascular functions were evaluated from 45 min to 4 weeks after exposures. Significant decrease in arterial blood pressures (hypotension) was found. In contrast, heart rate was not altered by these exposures. The UWB radiation-induced hypotension was a robust, consistent, and persistent effect.

Lethality and physiological disorders induced by tritium beta particles were studied in rats. Newborn CD/Crj rats received i.p. HTO saline at 0, 8.14, 16.28, 24.42 and 32.56 MBq/g body weight (BW). At four weeks of age, HTO over 24.42 MBq/g BW was fatal, especially in male rats, but it was not obvious under 16.28 MBq/g BW. Surviving female rats were weaned at four weeks of age and rats were monitored for heart rate and blood pressure (systolic, mean and diastolic) at 13, 23 and 30 weeks of age and sacrificed. The blood pressure significantly increased with the administered doses of HTO. Sclerotic kidneys were frequently observed in hypertensive rats exposed to HTO over 24.42 MBq/g BW. Thickened intermediate layer of artery, infiltrating lymphocytes and atrophic mesangiums were observed in sclerotic kidneys. These results indicate that internal exposure to HTO as infants was induced consequent hypertension in association with sclerotic kidney at sublethal doses.

Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to pulses produced by a Bournlea ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse generator (rise time, 318-337 ps; maximum E field, 19-21 kV/m). Exposures at a repetition frequency of 1 kHz for 0.5 s or to repetitive pulse trains (2-s exposure periods alternating with 2 s of no exposure, for a total of 2 min) resulted in no significant changes in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure. These results suggest that acute whole-body exposure to UWB pulses does not have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system.

We investigated the thermal distribution and cardiovascular effects produced by sustained exposure of rats to 94 GHz radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation (RFR). Sixteen ketamine-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed individually at a power density of 75 mW/cm2 under far-field conditions in E orientation. Irradiation began when colonic temperature was 37 degrees C and continued until death. Large, immediate increases in subcutaneous temperature on the irradiated side were accompanied by more moderate, delayed increases in colonic temperature. These body-temperature responses were similar to previous results obtained during 35 GHz RFR exposure. During irradiation, arterial blood pressure initially increased and then precipitously decreased until death. The heart rate increased throughout the exposure period. When comparing the results of these 94 GHz exposures with those in previous studies of lower RFR frequencies, it appears that the patterns of heart-rate and blood-pressure changes that occur before death are similar. We conclude that exposure to 94 GHz RFR produces extreme peripheral heating without similar levels of core heating and that this pattern of heat deposition is sufficient to produce circulatory failure and subsequent death.

Effectiveness was studied of low-intensity laser irradiation on regulation of arterial blood pressure (BP) in 185 patients (51 men, 134 women). The above patients were prescribed four therapeutic complexes: group I was exposed to infra-red irradiation by zones; group II--to scanning Helium-Neon laser across the portal zone and paravertebrally CIII-Th5; group III--to helium-neon laser in the area of right sinocarotid zone; group IV underwent hydrolaser shower (in red and intra-red range). Complaints were studied as were data from laboratory investigations, the condition of different bodily systems, BP level, the functional state of the cardiovascular system as per electrocardiography and rheography findings. A positive clinical effect was achieved in all the groups studied. Employment of low-intensity laser irradiation in the rehabilitation of patients with borderline hypertension during the sanatorium stage was noted to strikingly enhance the efficiency of the therapy administered. It can be prescribed to patients irrespective of their hemodynamic types. Irradiation of the right sinocarotid zone and hydrolaser therapy are indicated to patients presenting with hypo- and eukinetic types of hemodynamics and baseline sympatheticotonia.

The effects of an intravenous (i.v.) injection of the bradykinin analog RMP-7 (100 ng/kg) were assessed in normal dogs and dogs with focal, radiation-induced brain lesions. A dose of 20 Gy was delivered to a point 0.75 cm from a removable interstitial 125I source; parameters relating to blood flow and permeability were quantified using computed tomography 2-8 weeks after irradiation. Blood flow-related endpoints included regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), mean transit time of blood and vascular volume, while endpoints related to permeability included blood-to-brain transfer constant (Ki), brain-to-blood transfer constant and plasma volume. In unirradiated brain, an i.v. bolus of RMP-7 administered through the left cephalic vein induced a rapid and transient hypotension and a statistically significant increase in vascular volume; no alterations in any parameter related to permeability were observed. After irradiation, changes in rCBF after RMP-7 depended upon time after exposure, effects presumably due to changing morphology in the irradiated tissues. In the radiation lesions, significant increases in Ki were observed 5 minutes after injection of RMP-7, but those increases were not related to time after irradiation or alteration in blood flow-related parameters. Our results showed that RMP-7 selectively increased permeability in already damaged vasculature without affecting the extent or volume of radiation-induced vasogenic edema. These data suggest that RMP-7 may provide an effective means to enhance the delivery of compounds to an already compromised brain while not exacerbating the potential adverse effects of pre-existing vasogenic edema.

The effect of low-energy laser irradiation used as monotherapy was studied in 42 patients with early essential hypertension. Hypotensive and antioxidant effects of laser therapy, its ability to decrease total peripheral resistance were more pronounced in patients with stage I hypertension.

Exposure to fast-rise-time ultra-wideband (UWB) electromagnetic pulses has been postulated to result in effects on biological tissue (including the cardiovascular system). In the current study, 10 anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to pulses produced by a Sandia UWB pulse generator (average values of exposures over three different pulse repetition rates: rise time, 174-218 ps; peak E field, 87-104 kV/m; pulse duration, 0.97-0.99 ns). Exposures to 50, 500 and 1000 pulses/s resulted in no significant changes in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure measured every 30 s during 2 min of exposure and for 2 min after the exposure. The results suggest that acute UWB whole-body exposure under these conditions does not have an immediate detrimental effect on these cardiovascular system variables in anesthetized rats.

During the past 6 years, immigration to Israel of 700,000 persons from the former Soviet Union (FSU) included about 140,000 from radiocontaminated regions of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia near Chernobyl. In Beer Sheva, a major center for immigrant absorption in Israel, a primary objective was to evaluate their health status and to refer them for care. 137Cs levels in 1228 men, women, and children were measured with a portable whole-body counter. Whole-body counts showed clear correlation with the degree of 137Cs ground contamination in previous regions of residence. The population could thus be sub-divided according to degree of exposure, based on previous regions of residence. The thyroid status of 300 local immigrant children was evaluated because of the increased risk of childhood thyroid cancer in the regions from which they came. This group was subdivided into comparative groups of children who came from less and more contaminated areas according to the International Atomic Energy Agency soil 137Cs contamination maps. Enlarged thyroids were found in about 40% of both groups. One 12-year-old girl from Gomel had a malignant papillary carcinoma. Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, though within normal limits, were significantly greater (p < 0.02) for girls from high exposure regions. Liquidators showed significant increases in serum clastogenic factor and in the number of circulating glycophorin A-mutated red cells. In studies of over 700 people from both radiocontaminated and unaffected regions of the FSU, evidence for posttraumatic stress disorder was found more frequently in persons coming from the more contaminated areas.

While arterial hypertension and renal dysfunction are well recognized complications of renal irradiation, the mechanisms that trigger the development of these complications are unknown. Recently, it was reported that the endothelium is a major target in radiation injury. Because dysfunction of the endothelial cells may lead or contribute to the development of hypertension and renal dysfunction in radiation nephropathy, we tested the hypothesis that endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in radiated kidneys prior to the onset of hypertension. To test this hypothesis, we used Long-Evans rats that had undergone left nephrectomy (3 weeks earlier) and irradiation (3000 r's) to the right kidney 8 days earlier (mean blood pressures in the irradiated rats were not different than in the controls). We then measured the changes in renal blood flow (RBF) induced by endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine and bradykinin) and -independent (nitroprusside, norepinephrine, and angiotensin II) vasoactive agents. We found that the increases in RBF induced by the endothelium-dependent but not independent vasodilators were markedly impaired in the irradiated kidneys. Blocking nitric oxide synthesis with nitro L-arginine methyl ester in sham rats mimicked the blunted responsiveness of the irradiated rats, whereas indomethacin (an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis) had no effect on either sham or irradiated rats. Finally, the RBF responses to the endothelium-independent vasoconstrictors, norepinephrine and angiotensin II, were not altered in the irradiated kidneys. These results suggest that renal irradiation causes endothelial dysfunction (prior to the onset of hypertension) but spares the vascular smooth muscle cells.

Repeated courses of laser therapy given to patients with ischemic heart disease, angina of effort class I-IV for 2 years brought about stabilization of coronary insufficiency and improvement of clinical and functional conditions. Microcirculatory picture of the bulbar conjunctiva, coronary reserve improved. The treatment had also a hypotensive effect.

Mean systolic and diastolic pressures and the prevalence of hypertension vary throughout the world. Published data suggest a linear rise in blood pressure at increasing distances from the equator. Similarly, blood pressure is higher in winter than summer. Blood pressure also is affected by variations in skin pigmentation. Altered calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone status is associated with hypertension and may vary with latitude and season. Since changes in UV light affect vitamin D and parathyroid hormone status and UV light intensity are influenced by seasonal change and latitude, these disparate observations suggest an association between blood pressure and ultraviolet light. This discussion presents the hypothesis that reduced epidermal vitamin D3 photosynthesis associated with high skin melanin content and/or decreased UV light intensity at distances from the equator, alone or when coupled with decreased dietary calcium and vitamin D, may be associated with reduced vitamin D stores and increased parathyroid hormone secretion. These changes may stimulate growth of vascular smooth muscle and enhance its contractility by affecting intracellular calcium, adrenergic responsiveness, and/or endothelial function. Thus, UV light intensity and efficiency of epidermal vitamin D3 photosynthesis may contribute to geographic and racial variability in blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension.

This study sought to determine whether age influences the thermal distribution and cardiorespiratory responses to 35 GHz microwave (MW) heating. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8/group) 3 to 4 mo old (young), 15 to 16 mo old (middle-aged), and 24 to 25 mo old (old) were used. All animals were restricted to 63% of ad libitum feed. Rats were anesthetized (ketamine) and a catheter was placed into a carotid artery for measurement of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). Anesthetized rats were then exposed to MWs until death, while measuring MAP, heart rate and temperatures at five sites (colonic, left and right tympanic, subcutaneous, and tail). Before MW exposure, there were no significant (p < .05) differences among age groups in measured parameters. MW produced increases in temperature at each of the measured sites; temperatures at death did not differ between groups. Heart rate increased throughout MW exposure, in a statistically identical manner in all age groups. MAP was initially well maintained and then, in the latter phases of heating, precipitously declined until death, with no discernible age-related difference. Respiration rate was not altered by MW exposure in any group. Finally, there were no group differences in the MW exposure time required to induce death. Thus, age does not alter thermal and cardiorespiratory responses to 35 GHz MW heating in food-restricted rats.

The late effects of whole-lung irradiation with and without whole-body hyperthermia were studied in beagle dogs. The reference doses ranged from 18 to 49.5 Gy given in 1.5-Gy fractions over 6 weeks. Whole-body hyperthermia was given in three 2-h treatments to a deep rectal temperature of 42.0 degrees C. Radiation was given simultaneously with hyperthermia on those days. Physiological and histopathological responses were evaluated. Physiological changes included decreases in cardiac output, systemic blood pressure, dynamic compliance and serotonin uptake. Early changes included an increase in extravascular water and total protein in the lavage. These changes were considered mild, were compensated for and occurred only in dogs receiving doses of 40.5 Gy or greater given in 1.5-Gy fractions over 6 weeks. Histopathological changes were typical of irradiated lung and included pleural fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, fibrotic foci, and peribronchial and perivascular fibrosis. There was no enhancement of late injury to lung by hyperthermia seen in this study.

Cardiovascular changes in humans exposed to nonionizing radiation [including extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation (RFR)] are reviewed. Both acute and long-term effects have been investigated. In general, if heating does not occur during exposure, current flow appears to be necessary for major cardiovascular effects to ensue, such as those due to electric shock. Whereas most studies have revealed no acute effect of static or time-varying ELF EMFs on the blood pressure, heart rate, or electrocardiogram waveform, others have reported subtle effects on the heart rate. The possible health consequences of these results are unknown. Regarding long-term effects of ELF EMFs, reports from the former Soviet Union in the early 1960s indicated arrhythmias and tachycardia in high-voltage-switchyard workers. Subsequent studies in Western countries, however, did not confirm these findings. These studies are limited by uncertainties regarding exposure durations and appropriate control groups. Investigations of acute cardiovascular changes in humans purposely exposed to RFR have been limited to studies of magnetic resonance imaging (which, in addition to RFR, involves static and time-varying magnetic fields). It has been concluded that such exposures, as presently performed, are not likely to cause adverse cardiovascular effects. Reports of hypertension in workers potentially exposed to high levels of RFR during accidents are considered to be incidental (due to anxiety and posttraumatic stress). Soviet investigators have also indicated that long-term RFR exposure may result in hypotension and bradycardia or tachycardia. Other researchers, however, have been incapable of replicating these results, and some scientists have attributed the effects to chance variations and mishandling of data. In summary, studies have not yielded any obvious cardiovascular-related hazards of acute or long-term exposures to ELF EMFs or RFR at levels below current exposure standards.

These experiments were designed to investigate the effects of sub-resonant microwave (MW) exposure (350 MHz, E orientation, average power density 38 mW/cm2, average whole-body specific absorption rate 13.2 W/kg) on selected physiological parameters. The increase in peripheral body temperature during 350 MHz exposure was greater than that in earlier experiments performed at 700 MHz (resonance). Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly elevated during a 1 degree C increase in colonic temperature due to 350 MHz exposure; respiratory rate showed no significant change. The results are consistent with other investigators' reports comparing sub-resonance exposures with those at resonance and above.

To evaluate the effect of bright light on the sympathetic nervous system in human, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was recorded from the peroneal nerve in five healthy subjects. Each subject was exposed to bright light of 5000 lx for 20 min. After the bright light exposure, MSNA became significantly enhanced. The heart rate increased transiently only during the bright light exposure. The blood pressure did not change significantly during and after the bright light exposure. The result is the first direct evidence showing that bright light modulates the activity of the sympathetic nervous system in normal human.

Hypertension and norepinephrine hypersecretion in a 59-year-old woman suffering from malignant pheochromocytoma with multiple metastases were appropriately controlled with alpha- and beta- blockers, and alpha-methyltyrosine (alpha-MT), a catecholamine-synthesis inhibitor. Metastasized vertebrae were treated with external radiation to relieve pain, but this treatment had to be interrupted at a total dose of 20 Gy because the patient suffered acutely exacerbated hypertension (200/110 mmHg), tachycardia (160 beats/min) and a low-grade fever. Simultaneously her serum levels of LDH, potassium, urea nitrogen, creatinine, white blood cell count, CRP and norepinephrine were significantly increased, suggesting that this episode was due to radiation-induced tissue destruction and the leakage of catecholamines and possibly interleukin-6, a cytokine mediating inflammation which is reportedly present in pheochromocytoma. The marked hypertension was controlled by continuous i.v. administration of phentolamine and propranolol. Although radiation therapy effectively relieves pain due to neoplasmic metastasis to the bone, physicians should be aware that life-threatening complications such as the above occur in malignant pheochromocytoma. Sufficient pretreatment with adrenergic blocking agents and/or alpha-MT and careful monitoring of the patient's general condition during radiation therapy, even at a low dose, are highly recommended.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) contributes to the hypotensive state induced by exposure to radiofrequency radiation of millimeter-wavelength (MMW). This was accomplished using a synthetic analogue of L-arginine, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), to competitively inhibit NO synthesis. Ketamine-anesthetized rats were instrumented for the measurement of arterial blood pressure, ECG, and temperature at five sites. Animals were exposed to 35-GHz radiofrequency radiation until mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased to 75 mmHg. MMW exposure was then halted and either saline or L-NAME (1, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) was administered; each rat received only one dose. Following irradiation, L-NAME at each dose produced a peak increase in MAP that was smaller than that produced by the same dose of L-NAME in nonirradiated rats. There was no difference in post-MMW survival times between L-NAME-and saline-treated rats. These results indicate that bolus administration of L-NAME does not reverse hypotension induced by 35-GHz microwave heating, suggesting that excess levels of NO do not mediate this form of circulatory failure.

We analyzed questionnaire and physician examination data for 1560 new immigrants from the former USSR divided into three groups by potential exposure to Chernobyl radiation. Two groups were chosen according to soil contamination by cesium-137 at former residences, as confirmed by our findings in a 137Cs body burden study. The third group consisted of "liquidators," persons who worked at the Chernobyl site after the disaster. Liquidators had greater self-reported incidences of symptoms commonly accepted as acute effects of radiation exposure, increases in prevalence of hypertension, and more health complaints. Excesses of bronchial asthma and health complaints were reported in children from the more exposed communities. Asthma prevalence in children potentially exposed in utero appears to be increased eightfold. Older adults from more exposed areas had more hypertension as assessed by history and measurements. These findings suggest the possible association of radiation exposure with several nonmalignant effects.

The effect of ionizing radiation on jejunal blood flow was investigated in rats receiving whole-body exposure to 10 Gy gamma-radiation. Irradiation resulted in increased myeloperoxidase activity, indicative of neutrophil infiltration, and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by 2 h post-irradiation, but had no effect on leukotriene B4 synthesis. In ex vivo intestinal chamber studies, exposure to radiation reversed the mucosal-submucosal blood flow changes elicited by intravenous administration of leukotriene C4 (1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 for 10 min) or endothelin 1 (1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 for 5 min), but not that elicited by topical capsaicin (100 or 640 microM), as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. The effect of radiation on vascular responses to leukotriene C4, but not those to endothelin 1, was reversed by pretreatment of the rats with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 mg/kg). There was no significant effect of irradiation on mean arterial pressure or on ion or protein effluxes into the chamber bathing solution, nor did irradiation alter transmural potential difference. These studies point to altered responsiveness of the jejunal mucosal-submucosal vasculature shortly after exposure to ionizing radiation. Changes in function could reflect the onset of an acute inflammatory response, and appear to have cyclooxygenase-dependent and -independent components.

We examined changes in the blood pressure and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in aortic tissue after gamma-irradiation to the chest regions of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), and obtained the following results. After 5 Gy irradiation, there was no change with time in the blood pressure in WKY rats, while a transient decrease (3 days later) was observed in SHR rats. The Cu/Zn-SOD activity in the aorta of SHR was less than that of WKY. 5 Gy irradiation induced an increase in the Cu/Zn-SOD activity in SHR nearly to the level observed in WKY, which remained unchanged upon irradiation. Therefore, unlike high-dose irradiation, irradiation at a relatively low-dose of 5 Gy to SHR appears to increase the aortic Cu/Zn-SOD activity, which is lacking in SHR, leading to a decrease in the blood pressure.

One-stage epidemiological survey for prevalence of standard risk factors (blood pressure, body weight, atherosclerosis, smoking) has been performed on a representative sample of 828 schoolchildren aged 7-17 living in the Bryansk region (winter 1993). This territory underwent radionuclide contamination after the Chernobyl accident (1-5 Ci/km2). The comparison population consisted of matched schoolchildren from Moscow. According to the conventional criteria, schoolchildren from the survey population were at risk of atherosclerosis.

Autotransfusion of laser light-irradiated blood (5-7 sessions) was found to facilitate a steady arterial blood pressure fall by an average 24% of the initial level in patients with hypertensive disease. Drop in the arterial blood pressure following the course of autotransfusion of laser light-irradiated blood was accompanied by improvement in general condition of the patients, enhancement of the effectiveness of antihypertensive preparations, favourable shifts in immunological and haemorheological indices. After discharge from hospital beneficial clinical effect persisted for up to 4-8 months. The preliminary data obtained suggest that autotransfusion of laser light-irradiated blood may well be used as adjunct to a complex of therapeutic measures to be taken to control hypertensive disease.

Purpose: Stereotactic radiosurgery is being increasingly used to treat intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, successful radiosurgery may involve latent periods of 1-2 years prior to AVM obliteration. This latent period include states of altered flow patterns that may or may not influence hemorrhage probabilities. The probability of hemorrhage is likely to be related to the degree of biomechanical stress across the AVM shunt walls. This paper describes a theoretical analysis of the altered hemodynamics and biomechanical stresses within AVM shunts post-radiosurgery., Methods and Materials: The mathematical model is comprised of linked flow compartments that represent the AVM and adjacent normal vasculature. As obliteration of the irradiated shunts occur, changes in flow rates and pressure gradients are calculated based on first order fluid dynamics. Stress on the AVM shunt walls is calculated based on tangential forces due to intramural pressure. Two basic models are presented: a distribution of shunts with fixed thin walls subject to step-function obliteration (Model I), and a distribution of shunts subject to luminal obliteration from slowly thickening walls (Model II). Variations on these models are analyzed, including sequential, selective and random shunt obliteration, and uniform or Poisson distributions of shunt radii., Results: Model I reveals that the range of pressure alterations in the radiosurgically-treated AVM include the possibility of transient increases in the total biomechanical stress within the shunt walls prior to obliteration. Model II demonstrates that uniform luminal narrowing via thickened walls should lead to reduced transmural stresses. The precise temporal pattern of AVM flow decrease and biomechanical stress reduction depends on the selection of shunts that are obliterated., Conclusion: (a) The hemodynamic and biomechanical changes appear to be relatively independent of the shunt distribution but highly dependent on the temporal pattern of the obliterative process, (b) uniformly thickened shunt walls should uniformly decrease biomechanical stresses in the latent period prior to complete obliteration, but if uniform obliteration is not achieved, (c) transient alterations in pressure versus stress relationships may lead to temporarily increased biomechanical stress prior to complete obliteration, and (d) reduction in stress may not reach significant levels until the AVM is almost completely obliterated.

The effect of amitriptyline on catecholamine (CA) response to light of 20 migrainous patients was studied. The drug was given orally, 36 mg daily (12 mg x 3), for ten days. Before therapy, the migraineurs responded to light by an increase in epinephrine (E) excretion and not by the rise in norepinephrine (NE) excretion, noticed in controls. The NE excretion of migrainous subjects underwent very often a depression after photostimulation. Amitriptyline therapy prevented the post-photic rise in E excretion of migraineurs, without influencing significantly the variation in NE excretion produced in them by light. In other 8 migrainous subjects the effect of flunarizine, a selective calcium channel blocker, on CA response to light was tested. The dosage was of 5 mg daily, for ten days. Flunarizine had similar effects to those displayed by amitriptyline; the drug prevented the rise in E excretion produced by light without normalizing the NE response to light of migrainous subjects. The results suggest that the efficiency of these two drugs in migraine prophylaxis is connected with the ability of these substances to block the E discharge produced in migraineurs by light or by other stimuli. The interpretation is all the more likely as propranolol, another drug applied in migraine prophylaxis also blocks the post-photic E discharge of migraineurs.

Renal function was prospectively analysed in 26 patients treated with radiotherapy for various types of malignancies. In patients with gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma stage I-II (gNHL, n = 5), the 99mTc-diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) renal uptake and the relative 99mTc-dimercapto-succinyl acid (99mTc-DMSA) accumulation decreased gradually and concomitantly in the high-dose, whole-volume irradiated left kidney (40 Gy/5, 5 weeks), down to 25 +/- 10% (mean +/- 1 S.E.M.) and 31 +/- 11%, respectively, after 6-9 years. The absolute 99mTc-DMSA uptake in the left kidney declined down to 33 +/- 12% whereas in the low-dose, whole-volume irradiated right kidney (12-13 Gy/3 weeks) it increased up to 187 +/- 11%. When considering renal volume changes with single photon emission computed tomography, the left kidney in the gNHL patients was reduced to 30 +/- 13%, with, surprisingly, a contralateral enlargement up to only 119 +/- 7% (P < 0.05). The overall renal function in this group of patients, as assessed by creatinine clearance and by [125I]iothalamate/[131I]hippuran clearance was reduced to 48-68%. In the Hodgkin's disease patients (HD, n = 7) given 40 Gy in 4 weeks to 30-50% of the left kidney, the 99mTc-DTPA filtration and the relative 99mTc-DMSA uptake in the left kidney was reduced to 75 +/- 4% and 81 +/- 3%, respectively. The absolute 99mTc-DMSA changes were 78 +/- 10% and 135 +/- 13%, respectively. No significant renal functional alterations were observed in patients with either ovarian carcinoma (n = 7) or seminoma (n = 7). These data suggest a significant, compensatory response of the non-irradiated or low-dose irradiated kidney which, however, appears to be incomplete after contralateral, whole-volume, high-dose irradiation. Such compensatory response might be overestimated when considering only relative or absolute changes in radioactivity uptake.

It was established that resulting form ultra-violet irradiation of the blood in peritonitis, the pulse increased, diastolic and systolic arterial pressure didn't decreased. The intensity of tissue blood flow increased, especially in the mesentery. This was caused by considerable increase in volumetric blood flow rate in the mesenteric artery.