Microwave radiation and leakage of albumin from blood to brain

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a cell layer in the blood vessels of the brain. The BBB partitions the circulating blood from the brain tissue proper and regulates the passage of vital substances and nutrients into brain tissues and carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products out of it. The selective passage prohibits harmful toxins from infiltrating the brain, and also excludes many drugs and therapeutic agents from reaching brain tissues. Many investigators have published studies on the effect of microwave radiation on the BBB of experimental animals with varied results. Studies showing, and not showing, a microwave-induced increase in rat BBB permeability changes had used both high and low levels of microwave exposure. However, a series of reports showing disruption of BBB at various times following microwave exposure has caught the attention of many in the field.