Microwave Irradiation Sacrifice: Application in Neurochemical Research

Temperatures, inactivation rates of adenyl cyclase, phosphodiesterase and cholinesterase, and levels of acetylcholine and cyclic AMP were measured in rat brain following microwave sacrifice. Results indicate that such sacrifice results in rapid and simultaneous inactivation of enzyme systems throughout the brain. Levels of acetylcholine and cyclic AMP in brain compare favorably to those obtained following other means of sacrifice.