Electromagnetic fields (UHF) increase voltage sensitivity of membrane ion channels; possible indication of cell phone effect on living cells

Abstract

The effects of ultra high frequency (UHF) nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the channel activities of nanopore forming protein, OmpF porin, were investigated. The voltage clamp technique was used to study the single channel activity of the pore in an artificial bilayer in the presence and absence of the electromagnetic fields at 910 to 990 MHz in real time. Channel activity patterns were used to address the effect of EMF on the dynamic, arrangement and dielectric properties of water molecules, as well as on the hydration state and arrangements of side chains lining the channel barrel. Based on the varied voltage sensitivity of the channel at different temperatures in the presence and absence of EMF, the amount of energy transferred to nano-environments of accessible groups was estimated to address the possible thermal effects of EMF. Our results show that the effects of EMF on channel activities are frequency dependent, with a maximum effect at 930 MHz. The frequency of channel gating and the voltage sensitivity is increased when the channel is exposed to EMF, while its conductance remains unchanged at all frequencies applied. We have not identified any changes in the capacitance and permeability of membrane in the presence of EMF. The effect of the EMF irradiated by cell phones is measured by Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in artificial model of human head, Phantom. Thus, current approach applied to biological molecules and electrolytes might be considered as complement to evaluate safety of irradiating sources on biological matter at molecular level.

Adverse effect propensity: A new feature of Gulf War illness predicted by environmental exposures

“…Pesticides and radiation have also each been shown to alter membrane properties, 184 , 201 , 257 , 258 , 259 , 260 , 261 , 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 the latter finding replicated across many frequencies and lifeforms. 205 , 211 , 230 , 266 , 267 , 268 , 269 , 270 , 271 , 272 , 273 , 274 This extends to radioactive chemicals (including uranium). 275 …”

Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Carcinogenic and Other Biological Effects

“…The same has been discussed for ionizing radiation, where DNA damage and repair are in dynamic equilibrium at exposure levels comparable to the natural radiation background [1]. Of considerable interest are the results by Ketabi et al, [62] and Mohammadzadeh et al, [63] on the frequency dependent influence of EMF on the ion channels in artificial membranes and the OmpF channel-forming protein. The questions, however, remain how efficient is this impact on the in vivo counteractions and what implications has the EMF influence on cell membranes for the hydration state of cells and pathogenesis of diseases.…”

“…The questions, however, remain how efficient is this impact on the in vivo counteractions and what implications has the EMF influence on cell membranes for the hydration state of cells and pathogenesis of diseases. In particular, the assumption that "EMF at 930 MHz probably induces a specific conformation in the protein through changes in the structure of surrounding water molecules" [62] needs an experimental confirmation in protein solutions. Further studies are obviously needed.…”

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Neuropeptide Transcript Levels in the Synganglion of Ixodes ricinus

“…Studies of the effects of EMFs and electromagnetic perception mechanisms have been conducted on in vitro cultures and in several invertebrate and vertebrate laboratory models [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. It has been well documented that electromagnetic radiation affects the structure of the lipid bilayer, the polarity of membranes, and the sensitivity of ion channels [9][10][11][12][13][14]. The presence of EMFs can also cause the disturbance of the cell's electrochemical equilibrium, which subsequently induces the activation of the stress response [15].…”