Experimental search for combined AC and DC magnetic field effects on ion channels.
The hypothesis that specific combinations of DC and low frequency AC magnetic fields at so-called cyclotron-resonance conditions could affect the transport of ions through ion channels, or alter the kinetics of ion channels (opening and closing rates), has been tested. As a model system, the ion channels formed by gramicidin A incorporated in lipid bilayer membranes were studied. No significant changes in channel conductance, average lifetime, or formation rate as a function of applied fields could be detected over a wide range of frequencies and field strengths. Experiments were carried out to measure the time-resolved single-channel events and the average conductances of many-channel events in the presence of K+ and H+ ions. The channel blocking effect of Ca++ was also studied.
Galt
S
S
Department of Applied Electron Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
Sandblom
J
J
Hamnerius
Y
Y
Höjevik
P
P
Saalman
E
E
Nordén
B
B
D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D017357:Cyclotrons; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006096:Gramicidin; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000528:radiation effects; D007700:Kinetics; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000528:radiation effects; D008954:Models, Biological; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism
D007473:Ion Channels; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D006096:Gramicidin; D011188:Potassium