Effect of cyclophosphamide and 61.22 GHz millimeter waves on T-cell, B-cell, and macrophage functions

The present study was undertaken to investigate whether millimeter waves (MMWs) at 61.22 GHz can modulate the effect of cyclophosphamide (CPA), an anti‐cancer drug, on the immune functions of mice. During the exposure each mouse's nose was placed in front of the center of the antenna aperture (1.5 × 1.5 cm) of MMW generator. The device produced 61.22 ± 0.2 GHz wave radiation. Spatial peak Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at the skin surface and spatial peak incident power density were measured as 885 ± 100 W/kg and 31 ± 5 mW/cm2, respectively. Duration of the exposure was 30 min each day for 3 consecutive days. The maximum temperature elevation at the tip of the nose, measured at the end of 30 min, was 1 °C. CPA injection (100 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally on the second day of exposure to MMWs. The animals were sacrificed 2, 5, and 7 days after CPA administration. MMW exposure caused upregulation in tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) production in peritoneal macrophages suppressed by CPA administration. MMWs also caused a significant increase in interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production by splenocytes and enhanced proliferative activity of T‐cells. Conversely, no changes were observed in interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) level and B‐cell proliferation. These results suggest that MMWs accelerate the recovery process selectively through a T‐cell‐mediated immune response. Bioelectromagnetics 27:458–466, 2006.© 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.