Abstract
Among the many biological effects caused by low intensity extremely high frequency electromagnetic fields (EHF-EMF) reported in the literature, those on the nervous system are a promising area for further research. The mechanisms by which these fields alter neural activity are still unclear and thus far there appears to be no frequency dependence regarding neuronal responses. Therefore, proper in vitro models for preliminary screening studies of the interaction between neural cells with EMF are needed. We designed an artificial axon model consisting of a series of parallel RC networks. Each RC network contained an aqueous solution of lipid vesicles with a gradient of potassium (K+) concentration as the functional element. We investigated the effects of EHF-EMF (53.37 GHz–39 mW) on the propagation of the electric impulse. We report that exposure to the EHF-EMF increases the amplitude of electrical signal by inducing a potassium efflux from lipid vesicles. Further, exposure to the EHF-EMF potentiates the action of valinomycin – a K+ carrier – increasing the extent of K+ transport across the lipid membrane. We conclude that exposure to the EHF-EMF facilitates the electrical signal propagation by increasing transmembrane potassium efflux, and that the model presented is promising for future screening studies of different EMF frequency spectrum bands.
Highlights
Regarding neuronal responses[10], the need for proper in vitro models for preliminary screening studies of the interaction between neural cells and a wide range of EMF with different frequency spectrum bands
In order to check the reliability of our axon model (Fig. 1A) the electrical signal measurements were made of an aqueous solution
Considering transmission speed and pulse shape parameters these tests resulted in a signal shape similar to action potential commonly recorded from neuron tests, at 20 mM and 15 mM K2SO4 concentrations with the amplitude around 1 V
Summary
Regarding neuronal responses[10], the need for proper in vitro models for preliminary screening studies of the interaction between neural cells and a wide range of EMF with different frequency spectrum bands. Despite the enormous complexity of the nervous system, there are some aspects of neuron function that can be understood from simple physical principles One of those aspects is the propagation of electrical impulses along neurons. For the first time, we have directly measured the electrical signals traveling through an artificial axon model composed of a RC-network circuit containing aqueous solution of lipid vesicles with a gradient of potassium (K+) concentration as the functional element. We provide direct evidence that EHF-EMF facilitates the electrical signal propagation by increasing transmembrane K+ efflux, and that the artificial axon model presented is promising for future screening studies to test the interactions of different EMF frequencies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
