Naltrexone Attenuates the Antiparkinsonian Effects of Picotesla Range Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Extracranial treatment with magnetic fields (MF) in the picoTesla range has been shown an efficacious treatment modality in the management of Parkinsonism. The mechanisms by which such extremely weak MF improve Parkinsonian symptoms are unknown. As the pineal gland has been shown to function as a “magnetosensor” and since exposure to various intensities of MF disrupts melatonin secretion, it has been proposed that the beneficial effects of MF in Parkinsonism are partly mediated through the actions of pineal melatonin. Animal studies indicate that externally applied MF also influence the activity of the opioid peptides which have been implicated in a broad range of pathological conditions including Parkinsonism. To explore whether the beneficial effects of MF in Parkinsonism involve the mediation of the opioid systems and following informed consent, we administered the opiate receptor antagonist naltrexone (50 mg, P.O.) to a Parkinsonian patient after he showed improvement of symptoms with application of MF. Results of the trial showed that naltrexone partially reversed the antiparkinsonian effects of MF thus suggesting that opioid peptides are involved in mediating the clinical effects of these extremely weak MF in Parkinsonism. These results also suggest that intact opioid systems may be required for a full expression of the antiparkinsonian effect of picoTesla range MF.

Key Words:

• Magnetic fields
• Parkinson's disease
• opioid peptides
• naltrexone
• pineal gland
• melatonin