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Experimental search for combined AC and DC magnetic field effects on ion channels
Author(s) -
Galt Sheila,
Sandblom John,
Hamnerius Yngve,
Höjevik Per,
Saalman Elisabeth,
Nordén Bengt
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.2250140404
Subject(s) - gramicidin , ion channel , ion , conductance , chemistry , ion transporter , lipid bilayer , bioelectromagnetics , magnetic field , atomic physics , analytical chemistry (journal) , nuclear magnetic resonance , chemical physics , membrane , physics , condensed matter physics , biochemistry , receptor , organic chemistry , chromatography , quantum mechanics
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. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss. Inc.