Combined action of static and alternating magnetic fields on ion motion in a macromolecule: Theoretical aspects

This is an attempt to solve the energetic problem of the primary detection of weak parallel static (DC) and alternating (AC) extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields. We studied the equations of motion for an ion situated inside a macromolecule under the influence of these fields. The main concern is with the magnetic field influence on thermal motion of the ion in the macromolecule. The resonance effects are revealed at discrete frequencies of the ion thermal oscillations determined by the DC field magnitude and the AC field frequency. These phenomena result from the Larmor precession of the ion thermal motion. When the DC field or, to a greater extent, the combined DC and AC fields with the specific frequencies are turned on or cut off, changes occur in the energy of the ion thermal motion. If, inside the macromolecule, the ion is sufficiently protected against immediate impacts of particles of the medium surrounding the macromolecule, these changes may be enough to trigger alteration in the quantum state of the macromolecule. Bioelectromagnetics 19:279–292, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Effect of magnetic field exposure on calcium channel currents using patch clamp technique

Calcium influxes through the membrane of PC-12D cells were measured under exposure to DC biased AC magnetic fields in resonant conditions of the ion cyclotron and the ion parametric resonance hypotheses and compared with influxes in cells without exposure to the magnetic field. After cancellation of the geomagnetic field, the cells were exposed to the horizontal fields generated by a current sheet, a planar sheet of conductor which generated a satisfactorily homogeneous horizontal magnetic field on the stage of a microscope without hindering treatment of a cell under observation. At or near any resonant conditions, no change in calcium influx could be detected under standard patch clamp conditions.     

DC和AC磁场混合作用下的离子运动

本文研讨了在微弱ＤＣ磁场和频率非常低的ＡＣ磁场并行作用下，位于大分子内部的离子运动情况。主要焦点是大分子中磁场对离子热运动的影响，通过一些离散频率的分析揭示了热运动的共振效应。指出当ＤＣ和ＡＣ磁场施加或切断时离子热运动能量将发生变化，如果大分子周围的媒介质的粒子能充分阻止瞬间接触，就会引起大分了子量子态的变化。     

Clarification and application of an ion parametric resonance model for magnetic field interactions with biological systems

Theoretical models proposed to date have been unable to clearly predict biological results from exposure to low-intensity electric and magnetic fields (EMF). Recently a predictive ionic resonance model was proposed by Lednev, based on an earlier atomic spectroscopy theory described by Podgoretskii and Podgoretskii and Khrustalev. The ion parametric resonance (IPR) model developed in this paper corrects mathematical errors in the earlier Lednev model and extends that model to give explicit predictions of biological responses to parallel AC and DC magnetic fields caused by field-induced changes in combinations of ions within the biological system. Distinct response forms predicted by the IPR model depend explicitly on the experimentally controlled variables: magnetic flux densities of the AC and DC magnetic fields (B_ac and B_dc, respectively); AC frequency (f_ac); and, implicitly, charge to mass ratio of target ions. After clarifying the IPR model and extending it to combinations of different resonant ions, this paper proposes a basic set of experiments to test the IPR model directly which do not rely on the choice of a particular specimen or endpoint. While the fundamental bases of the model are supported by a variety of other studies, the IPR model is necessarily heuristic when applied to biological systems, because it is based on the premise that the magnitude and form of magnetic field interactions with unhydrated resonant ions in critical biological structures alter ion-associated biological activities that may in turn be correlated with observable effects in living systems. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Frequency and amplitude windows in the combined action of DC and low frequency AC magnetic fields on ion thermal motion in a macromolecule: theoretical analysis

We solved the differential equation describing combined action of DC and AC magnetic fields on thermal motion of ions in a biological macromolecule. The solution showed the occurrence of a new set of resonant peaks for ion oscillations under the influence of magnetic fields. After establishment of steady ion oscillations in the macromolecule interior that is well shielded from the action of small particles of the medium surrounding this molecule, the change in energy of ion thermal motion could be sufficient to alter the conformation state of the macromolecule. On this basis, a diversity of biological phenomena can be explained, including the appearance of the known "frequency" and "amplitude" windows, without any resort to the ideas of participation of cyclotron or parametric resonances in these effects.     

Mechanism of action of combined extremely weak magnetic field on aqueous solution of amino acid

The fundamental physical mechanisms of resonance action of an extremely weak (40 nT) alternating magnetic field at the cyclotron frequency combined with a weak (40 μT) static magnetic field, on living systems are analyzed in the present work. The experimental effects of such sort of magnetic fields were described in different papers: the very narrow resonant peaks in electrical conductivity of the aqueous solutions in the in vitro experiments and the biomedical in vivo effects on living animals of magnetic fields with frequencies tuned to some amino acids. The existing experimental in vitro data had a good repeatability in different laboratories and countries. Unfortunately, for free ions such sort of effects are absolutely impossible because the dimensions of an ion rotation radius should be measured by meters at room temperature and at very low static magnetic fields used in all the above experiments. Even for bound ions these effects should be also absolutely impossible from the positions of classic physics because of rather high viscosity of biological liquid media (blood plasma, cerebrospinal liquid, cytoplasm). Only modern quantum electrodynamics of condensed media opens the new ways for solving these problems. The proposed article is devoted to analysis of quantum mechanisms of these effects.     

Combined action of static and alternating magnetic fields on ionic current in aqueous glutamic acid solution

Combined parallel static and alternating magnetic fields cause a rapid change in the ionic current flowing through an aqueous glutamic acid solution when the alternating field frequency is equal to the cyclotron frequency. The current peak is 20-30% of the background direct current. The peak is observed with slow sweep in the alternating magnetic field frequency from 1 Hz-10 Hz. Only one resonance peak in the current is observed in this frequency range. The frequency corresponding to the peak is directly proportional to the static magnetic field. The above effect only arises at very small alternating field amplitude in the range from 0.02 μT-0.08 μT. Bioelectromagnetics 19:41–45, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Investigation of AC-DC magnetic field effects in planar phospholipid bilayers.

Observations recently reported by others indicate that a combination of a weak dc magnetic field and extremely-low-frequency ac magnetic field can produce resonant effects in biological systems. We report measurements of the effects of combined dc and ac magnetic fields on the dc current through channel-free planar phospholipid membranes. The combined dc-ac magnetic fields did affect the dc current through planar phospholipid membranes, but not in every membrane, and not consistently at the same values of magnetic flux density and frequency. None of our measurements showed resonant response akin to the cyclotron-like resonance reported in diatoms [Smith et al., 1987] and lymphocytes [Liboff et al., 1987].     

Myosin Light Chain Modification Depending on Magnetic Fields: II. Experimental

Recent experiments have revealed that Ca²⁺ -calmodulin dependent myosin light chain phosphorylation in a cell-free preparation exhibits unexpectedly high sensitivity to weak magnetic fields. This enzyme system is a well-studied biochemical system, which appears to depend upon ion binding. A previous article in this journal discussed the theoretical background of myosin phosphorylation and the ion-dependent interactions of EMF with soft tissues. Because of the electromagnetic field (EMF) sensitivity of this cell-free system, experiments were designed to test the effect of a pulsed radio frequency (PRF) field, pulsating magnetic fields (TEMF), gradient magnetic fields (Magnabloc), and homogeneous static magnetic fields (in Helmholtz arrangement) designed for clinical application. It is concluded that these various magnetic fields affect this cell-free enzyme system by modulating ion–protein interactions.     

Ca2+ ion transport through patch-clamped cells exposed to magnetic fields

The total current of Ca²⁺ ions through patch-clamped cell membranes was measured while exposing clonal insulin-producing β-cells (RINm5F) to a combination of DC and AC magnetic fields at so-called cyclotron resonance conditions. Previous experimental evidence supports the theory that a resonant interaction between magnetic fields and organisms can exist. This experiment was designed to test one possible site of interaction: channels in the cell membrane. The transport of Ca²⁺ ions through the protein channels of the plasma membrane did not show any resonant behavior in the frequency range studied. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

On the possible fundamental unity of magnetobiological “resonances”

Organisms exposed to a combination of weak, parallel static and alternating magnetic fields show a distinct response when the frequency of the alternating component is formally equal to the cyclotron frequencies for Ca²⁺ or other biologically important ions. It is impossible to explain the observable phenomenon through a magnetoinduced drift of the ions, as the Lorentz force is too small to change ionic movements. In similar conditions, a resonance-like response arises when the alternating field is tuned to the Larmor frequency for nuclear-spin magnetic moments. The mechanism of these phenomena is also still unclear. In this communication, arguments are presented whereby both types of effect can be treated in a unified context, for which the existence of ion-specific magnetic dipoles must be postulated.     

Effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on L-glutamic acid aqueous solutions at 20, 40, and 60 microT static magnetic fields

Current peaks have been observed and measured in electrolytic ionic current of L-glutamic acid aqueous solutions at room temperature, in static magnetic fields of 20, 40, and 60 muT flux densities, with a superimposed extremely low-frequency, (1/10) Hz, alternating magnetic field flux density of 40 nT. The distributions of the peaks have mean values centered at the cyclotron resonance frequency of the singly charged L-glutamic acid ion molecular mass in the corresponding static field. Amplitudes and widths of the peaks are compared and analyzed to extract their correlation. The results can be considered a contribution to the understanding of the experimental phenomenology in low-frequency electromagnetic fields on ionic currents of L-glutamic amino acid aqueous solutions. The results can be of interest in the studies on the interaction of the electromagnetic fields with some structural neurotransmitters in cellular medium.     

Effects of static and low-frequency alternating magnetic fields on the ionic electrolytic currents of glutamic acid aqueous solutions

A current peak has been observed and measured in ionic electrolytic current of a glutamic acid aqueous solution, placed in a static magnetic field of flux density of 40 microT, with a superimposed low-frequency alternating magnetic field of flux density of 40 nT. The peak occurs at the frequency of the cyclotronic resonance of the molecular mass of a single charged glutamic acid ion, placed in a magnetic flux density equal to that of the static field. The amplitude of the current peak is about 30% of the background electrolytic current. Qualitative considerations and a listing of unsolved problems related to the phenomenology are given. The result is the first contribution to the study we have undertaken on the effects of low-frequency alternating electromagnetic fields on the ionic current of amino acid aqueous solutions which are the basic structural units of the proteins.     

Magnetic fields from steel-belted radial tires: implications for epidemiologic studies.

Magnetic fields emanate from radial tires due to the presence of reinforcing belts which are made of magnetized steel wire. When these tires spin, they generate alternating magnetic fields of extremely low frequency (ELF), usually below 20 Hz. The fundamental frequency of these fields is determined by tire rotation rate and has a sinusoidal waveform with a high harmonic content. The static field of radial tires can exceed 500 microT at the tread, and the tire-generated alternating fields can exceed 2.0 microT at seat level in the passenger compartment of vehicles. Degaussing the tires reduces both the static and alternating fields to low levels, but the fields increase gradually over time after degaussing. The tire-generated fields are below the frequencies detected by most of the magnetic field meters used in previous studies of power frequency magnetic field health effects. If these fields are biologically active, failure to detect them could compromise exposure assessments associated with epidemiologic studies.     

Effects of radio frequency magnetic fields on iron release from cage proteins

Ferritin, the iron cage protein, contains a superparamagnetic ferrihydrite nanoparticle formed from the oxidation and absorption of Fe²⁺ ions. This nanoparticle increases its internal energy when exposed to alternating magnetic fields due to magnetization lag. The energy is then dissipated to the surrounding proteic cage, affecting its functioning. In this article we show that the rates of iron chelation with ferrozine, an optical marker, are reduced by up to a factor of 3 in proteins previously exposed to radio frequency magnetic fields of 1 MHz and 30 µT for several hours. The effect is non‐thermal and depends on the frequency‐amplitude product of the magnetic field. Bioelectromagnetics 30:336–342, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

ION cyclotron resonance: Geomagnetic strategy for living systems?

Except for relatively few polarity reversals the magnitude of the magnetic dipole moment of the earth has remained constant since life first began, allowing evolutionary processes to integrate the geomagnetic field (GMF) into several biological functions. One of these, bearing the classical signature of an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR)-like interaction, results in biological change associated with enhanced proton transport. The wide range of cation masses over which this effect is found suggest a fundamental biological dependence on the GMF, one that functions equally well for electric as well as magnetic fields. Such generalization of ICR requires two things: transparency of tissues to the GMF and suitably tuned ELF resonant magnetic or electric fields. To complement the widely reported ICR responses to applied AC magnetic fields, we hypothesize the existence of weak endogenous ICR electric field oscillations within the cell. This equivalence implies that even in the absence of applied AC magnetic fields, biological systems will exhibit intrinsic GMF-dependent ion cyclotron resonance intracellular interactions. Many ICR effects that have been reported appear as antagonist pairs suggesting that the characteristics of the GMF have not only been incorporated into the genome but also appear to function in an endocrine-like manner.     

Resonant ac-dc magnetic fields: calculated response

An elementary model consisting of one charged particle in a viscous medium exposed to weak ac-dc low-frequency magnetic fields is analyzed to identify and explain the fundamental characteristics of the physical mechanisms that result in a resonance response, which is similar to the familiar cyclotron resonance. The model predicts both frequency and amplitude windows, which are explained in terms of synchronization of the particle with electric fields. Although extrapolation of model results to biological systems is limited by the elementary nature of the model, the model results indicate that observed resonant responses by others of biological systems to ac-dc magnetic fields are probably not due to resonant response of ions in solution, since the model predicts that no resonant response is possible unless the viscous damping is very low, many orders of magnitude lower than the viscous damping of ions in solution.     

Dynamics of the ion cyclotron resonance effect on amino acids adsorbed at the interfaces

In this study we show a reproduction of the Zhadin experiment, which consists of the transient increase of the electrolytic current flow across an aqueous solution of L-arginine and L-glutamic acid induced by a proper low frequency alternating magnetic field superimposed to a static magnetic field of higher strength. We have identified the mechanisms that were at the origin of the so-far poor reproducibility of the above effect: the state of polarization of the electrode turned out to be a key parameter. The electrochemical investigation of the system shows that the observed phenomenon involves the transitory activation of the anode due to ion cyclotron frequency effect, followed again by anode passivation due to the adsorption of amino acid and its oxidation products. The likely occurrence of similar ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) phenomena at biological membranes, the implications on ion circulation in living matter, and the consequent biological impact of environmental magnetic fields are eventually discussed.     

Effect of weak and superweak combined permanent and low-frequency alternating magnetic fields and low-intensity millimeter waves on regeneration of planaria Dugesia tigrina

It has been shown that exposure to weak combined collinear magnetic fields (permanent component 42 mT; amplitude of alternating component 40 nT, frequency 3.7 Hz) or millimeter waves with a frequency of 36 GHz and power density of 100 mT/cm2 substantially stimulates the growth of the regeneration blastema in the tail fragment of planaria when the exposure to fields precedes the cutting of the planaria body. This effect is more clearly pronounced during the treatment of planaria with magnetic field. If the treatment with weak physical factors is carried out after the cutting of planaria, the effect of the field is two times less pronounced (exposure to magnetic waves) or is not evident at all (exposure to electromagnetic radiation).