High Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation Stimulates Neuronal Growth and Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission

Abstract

Terahertz waves lie within the rotation and oscillation energy levels of biomolecules, and can directly couple with biomolecules to excite nonlinear resonance effects, thus causing conformational or configuration changes in biomolecules. Based on this mechanism, we investigated the effect pattern of 0.138 THz radiation on the dynamic growth of neurons and synaptic transmission efficiency, while explaining the phenomenon at a more microscopic level. We found that cumulative 0.138 THz radiation not only did not cause neuronal death, but that it promoted the dynamic growth of neuronal cytosol and protrusions. Additionally, there was a cumulative effect of terahertz radiation on the promotion of neuronal growth. Furthermore, in electrophysiological terms, 0.138 THz waves improved synaptic transmission efficiency in the hippocampal CA1 region, and this was a slow and continuous process. This is consistent with the morphological results. This phenomenon can continue for more than 10 min after terahertz radiation ends, and these phenomena were associated with an increase in dendritic spine density. In summary, our study shows that 0.138 THz waves can modulate dynamic neuronal growth and synaptic transmission. Therefore, 0.138 terahertz waves may become a novel neuromodulation technique for modulating neuron structure and function.

Terahertz Radiation Modulates Neuronal Morphology and Dynamics Properties

“…At the neural network level, Ma et al found that 0.138 THz waves improve hippocampal CA1 synaptic transmission efficiency, which is a continuous and slow process and highly correlated with terahertz radiation duration. After terahertz radiation, the effect of an increased synaptic transmission efficiency in the hippocampal CA1 area can last for more than 10 min [ 89 ].…”

Switchable memristor-based Hindmarsh-Rose neuron under electromagnetic radiation

“…There is evidence that the updating mechanism of synaptic weights and the synaptic homeostatic plasticity plays an important role in brain memory storage [35]. Moreover, electromagnetic radiation affects the firing activity of neurons and the efficiency of synaptic transmission, thereby modulating neuronal structure and function [36]. Therefore, we consider both factors and built a new 4D HR neuron.…”