RT Journal Article
T1 Effects of moderate static magnetic field on neural systems is a non-invasive mechanical stimulation of the brain possible theoretically?
A1 Hernando Grande, Antonio
A1 García, Miguel A.
A1 Soto León, Vanesa
A1 Alonso Bonilla, Carlos
A1 Aguilar, Juan
A1 Oliviero, Antonio
AB Static magnetic fields have been shown to induce effects on the human brain. Different experiments seem to support the idea that moderate static magnetic field can exert some influence on the gating processes of the membrane channels. In this article we visit the order of magnitude of the energy magnetic terms associated with moderate applied field (between 10 and 200 milliteslas). It is shown that gradients of the Zeeman energy associated with the inhomogeneous applied fields can induce pressures of the order of 10^(-2)Pa. The surface tension generated by the magnetic pressure, on the surface delimiting the brain region subject to relevant field and gradients, is found to range between 10^(-1) and 1 mN.m^(-1). These pressures seem to be strong enough to interfere with the elastic and electrostatic energies involved in the channel activation-inactivation-deactivation mechanisms of biological membranes. It has been described that small mechanical force can activate voltage gated potassium channels. Moreover, stretch-activated ion channels are widely described in different biological tissues. Virtually, all these channels can modify their activity if stressed by a sufficient pressure delivered for enough time. We propose mechanical stimulation - possibly not exclusively - as a candidate mechanism how static magnetic field can produce effects in biological systems. It must be emphasized, that such field gradients were not previously proposed as a possible source of neural activity modification.
PB Frontiers Media
SN 1662-453X
YR 2020
FD 2020-05-19
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/6386
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/6386
LA eng
NO ©2020 Frontiers Media This research was funded by the Department of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and co-financed by the European Union (FEDER) "A way to make Europe" (SAF2016-80647-R), and by "The Michael J. Fox Foundation" (Grant ID: 9205).
NO Miniterio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) / FEDER
DS Docta Complutense
RD 6 abr 2025