Effects of 15 Hz square wave magnetic fields on the voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels in prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons

Abstract

Purpose: Although magnetic fields have significant effects on neurons, little is known about the mechanisms behind their effects. The present study aimed to measure the effects of magnetic fields on ion channels in cortical pyramidal neurons.

Materials and methods: Cortical pyramidal neurons of Kunming mice were isolated and then subjected to 15 Hz, 1 mT square wave (duty ratio 50%) magnetic fields stimulation. Sodium currents (I_Na), transient potassium currents (I_A) and delayed rectifier potassium currents (I_K) were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp method.

Results: We found that magnetic field exposure depressed channel current densities, and altered the activation kinetics of sodium and potassium channels. The inactivation properties of I_Na and I_A were also altered.

Conclusion: Magnetic field exposure alters ion channel function in neurons. It is likely that the structures of sodium and potassium channels were influenced by the applied field. Sialic acid, which is an important component of the channels, could be the molecule responsible for the reported results.

Keywords:

• 15 Hz square wave magnetic fields
• delayed rectifier potassium currents
• sodium currents
• transient potassium currents
• voltage-gated channel

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.