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Neuronal ion channels and their sensitivity to extremely low frequency weak electric field effects.

Mathie, Alistair and Kennard, L E and Veale, Emma L. (2003) Neuronal ion channels and their sensitivity to extremely low frequency weak electric field effects. Review of: Radiation fields by UNSPECIFIED. Radiation protection dosimetry, 106 (4). pp. 311-6. ISSN 0144-8420. (KAR id:75932)

Abstract

Neuronal ion channels are gated pores whose opening and closing is usually regulated by factors such as voltage or ligands. They are often selectively permeable to ions such as sodium, potassium or calcium. Rapid signalling in neurons requires fast voltage sensitive mechanisms for closing and opening the pore. Anything that interferes with the membrane voltage can alter channel gating and comparatively small changes in the gating properties of a channel can have profound effects. Extremely low frequency electrical or magnetic fields are thought to produce, at most, microvolt changes in neuronal membrane potential. At first sight, such changes in membrane potential seem orders of magnitude too small to significantly influence neuronal signalling. However, in the central nervous system, a number of mechanisms exist which amplify signals. This may allow such small changes in membrane potential to induce significant physiological effects.

Item Type: Review
Subjects: Q Science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Medway School of Pharmacy
Depositing User: Emma Veale
Date Deposited: 21 Aug 2019 12:22 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:26 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/75932 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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