TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page i
Certification ii
Declaration iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgements v
Table of contents vi
List of Figures xi
List of Tables xiii
List of Plates xiv
Abstract xvi
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Preamble 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 4
1.3 Rationale for the study 4
1.4.1 Aim and Objectives 4
1.4.2 Specific Objectives 5
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Microwave Origin and Spectrum 6
2.2 Generation and Uses of Microwaves 7
2.2.1 Telecommunication 7
2.2.2 Remote Sensing 8
2.2.3 Health 9
2.2.4 Navigation 9
2.2.5 Power 9
2.3 Interactions of Microwave with Biological Materials 10
2.3.1 Thermal Mechanisms of Interaction 10
2.3.2 Athermal (Non-thermal) Mechanisms of Interaction 11
2.4 Macroscopic Interactions 13
2.5 Microscopic Interaction -- Molecular Mechanisms 18
2.5.1 Cellular Interactions 22
2.5.2 Other Interaction Mechanisms 23
2.6 Temperature Effects 23
2.6.1 Effects: High â€" Frequency Fields Force 26
2.7 Radiometry of Non-ionizing Radiation 28
2.8 Free Radicals 29
2.8.1 Hydroxyl Radical 29
2.8.2 Nitric Oxide 30
2.8.3 Superoxide (O2-) 30
2.8.4 Hydrogen Peroxide 30
2.8.5 Trichloromethyl (CCI3) 31
2.8.6 Free Radicals and Lesion in DNA 31
2.9 Plausible Biological Mechanism 31
2.10 Non-human Studies 32
2.10.1 Thermoregulatory Responses to RF radiation 32
2.10.2 Reproductive Effects 32
2.10.3 Effects on the Blood-forming and Immune Systems 33
2.10.4 Nervous System 35
2.10.5 Behavioural Effects 36
2.10.6 Molecular, Subcellular and Cellular Effects 37
2.11 Genetic Toxicology 37
2.12 Epidemiological Investigations 40
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Calibration of Microwave (MW) Source 42
3.2 Determination of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) 42
3.3 Animal and Sample Preparations 42
3.4 Behavioural Studies 43
3.4.1 Exploratory Behavioural Activity Study 43
3.4.2 Anxiolytic Activity Study 43
3.4.2.1 Elevated Plus Maze Study 43
3.4.2.2 Y- maze Study 44
3.5 Fertility Studies 46
3.5.1 The Weight of the Specimens 46
3.5.2 Semen Collection 46
3.5.3 Sperm Motility Study 46
3.5.4 Sperm Morphology Study 46
3.5.5 Sperm Count 47
3.5.6 Histopathological Studies on the Reproductive Organs 47
3.6 Chromosomal Aberration Study from Rats Bone Marrow 47
3.7 Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Assay 48
3.7.1 DNA Extraction and Washing of the Blood Cells 48
3.7.2 Lysing of WBC and other Organs 48
3.7.3 Phenol Extraction and Precipitation of DNA 49
3.8 Quantification of DNA Sample 49
3.9 Primers 49
3.10 Amplification and Electrophoresis 49
3.