Programmed increased longevity induced by weak pulsating current in Paramecium

Abstract

The effect of specific pulsating currents on Paramecia longevity was monitored using electromagnetic current induction. Paramecium consists of eukaryotic cells with a surface membrane which exhibits ionic mechanisms of excitation similar to muscle and nerve cells of metazoans. These protozoan cells can generate receptor and action potentials in response to proper electrical, mechanical or chemical stimuli. Paramecium has also been used as a clonal aging system and as a model system of cellular senescence since the number of cell divisions after origin of the clone at fertilization until the death is limited, predictable, short, and species-specific. When cells were cultivated in pulsating currents, the survival of treated cells was increased relative to controls at specific age intervals in response to specific current signals. The induced voltage was obtained using air-gap coils driven by a programmable supply. The basic pulse-waveform and the periodicity (single pulse versus pulse burst and repetition rate) were examined. The results show that a significant (P < 0.05) mean lifespan could be attained with certain signals. When cells were shifted to optimal current signals for given ages, a 17% increase in mean lifespan was obtained. Maximal lifespan could be increased 33 % by exposure to an optimal program of specific current signals.