Effects of Static Magnetic Field on Compound Action Potential of Isolated Frog Sciatic Nerve

Abstract

The use of Static Magnetic Field (SMF) in medicine is currently under consideration. In this experimental study, the aim is to investigate the possible effects of SMF on nerve excitation and conduction characteristics. Our objectives are to take Compound Action Potential (CAP) measurements from an isolated frog sciatic nerve under SMF, and to calculate the amplitude and latency parameters of the CAP in order to assess possible effects. The experimental study was carried on twelve Rana Ridibundas. The sciatic nerve of the frogs were isolated from their locations and transferred to the nerve chamber. The nerve was stimulated with an electrical impulse of 0.2 ms duration and 1.4 V amplitude at the proximal end and its response was recorded at the distal end. The possible effects of SMF on the frog sciatic nerve were examined. A sequence of CAP measurements were taken with and without SMF exposure. Changes in four variables were observed. Two of the measurement variables were peak-to-peak amplitudes. The other two variables were the durations of stimulus artifact from the onset to the appearance of the first negative and first positive peaks respectively. After the first, second and third SMF exposure periods, there was a significant increase in the height of PP-1 and PP-2 which are peak-to-peak variables of CAP in both during and after exposure. Similarly, after the first, second and third SMF exposure periods, there was a significant increase in the length of Latency-1 and Latency-2 which are linked with the duration of CAP. In this study, it was observed that SMF exposure increases both the amplitude and duration of nerve CAP. Our study gave a different perspective on the effects of SMF on neuronal excitation mechanism of sciatic nerves. Besides, it provided a better understanding of the pain perception phenomenon based on transmembrane Na+ channel dynamics and nerve conduction velocity.