Exposure Effects of Terahertz Waves on Primary Neurons and Neuron-like Cells Under Nonthermal Conditions

Authors: Tan SZ, Tan PC, Luo LQ, et al.

Year: 2019 Oct

Category: Biomedical Science

Journal: Biomed Environ Sci

Institution: Biomed Environ Sci

DOI: 10.3967/bes2019.094

URL: http://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2019.094

Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This study investigates the potential impacts of terahertz (THz) waves on primary cultured neurons from various rat brain regions and different neuron-like cells under nonthermal conditions.

Methods

  • THz waves with an output power of 50 mW (0.16 THz) and 10 mW (0.17 THz).
  • Exposure times ranged from 6 to 60 minutes.
  • Evaluated effects on temperature, neurite growth, cell membrane roughness, micromorphology, neurotransmitters, and synaptic-related proteins (SYN and PSD95).

Findings

The study noted only a negligible temperature increase but observed significant changes in neurotransmitters in targeted cells, alongside altered expression of proteins crucial for synaptic function.

Conclusion

The sensitivity to THz waves varies among cell types, with primary hippocampal, cortical neurons, and MN9D cells showing notable susceptibility. The biological effects were found to correlate positively with the duration of THz wave exposure.

Terahertz waves neurons nonthermal neurotransmitters synaptic proteins
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