Effect of antioxidants on the interaction of terahertz (submillimeter) laser radiation and neuronal membrane

Abstract

It is found that radiation with a wavelength of 130 µm creates conditions for the ingression of vital dyes, which do not cross the intact surface of a cell, i.e., through the plasma membrane. It is likely that damaging effects are caused by the action of activated oxygen metabolites on the membrane, which can result from laser-radiation exposure. To test these hypotheses, antioxidants are added into a saline solution surrounding neurons prior to laser irradiation, in addition to a dye (Lucifer Yellow) that does not cross intact membranes. It is found that the phenolic antioxidant Histochrome considerably reduces the penetration of the dye into the cell. The decreased level of dye ingression into neurons suggests that under the effect of radiation in the submillimeter range, hydrophilic pores are formed in the cell membrane as a result of free-radical processes which can be blocked by antioxidants. It is found that terahertz (submillimeter) radiation can reversibly damage the barrier properties of the membrane and serve as an inducer of the targeted delivery of biologically active compounds into cells, while antioxidants can be modulators of such a process and ensure protection against the adverse effects of electromagnetic waves in this range.