15 Hz square wave magnetic fields affects voltage-gated sodium & potassium channels in neurons

Authors: Zheng Y, Dou JR, Gao Y, Dong L, Li G.

Year: 2016 Dec 7

Category: Radiation Biology

Journal: Int J Radiat Biol

Institution: Int J Radiat Biol

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27924669

Abstract

Overview

The study explores the significant effects of magnetic fields on neurons, focusing specifically on how these fields influence ion channels in cortical pyramidal neurons.

Materials and Methods

  • Isolated cortical pyramidal neurons from Kunming mice.
  • Exposed neurons to 15 Hz, 1 mT square wave magnetic fields with a 50% duty ratio.
  • Used whole-cell patch clamp method to record sodium currents (INa), transient potassium currents (IA), and delayed rectifier potassium currents (IK).

Findings

Magnetic field exposure not only decreased the current densities of these channels but also affected the activation kinetics and the inactivation properties of both INa and IA channels.

Conclusion

Exposure to magnetic fields leads to alterations in the function of ion channels in neurons, potentially through structural changes induced in sodium and potassium channels, possibly due to the role of sialic acid.

magnetic fields ion channels neurons sodium channels potassium channels electrophysiology neurobiology
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