Neurophysiological Effect of External Electromagnetic Field: A Computational Modeling

Abstract

The effect of an alternating external field on the pattern of an axon’s action potential and its propagation has been investigated by incorporating the effect of an alternating electric field in the nonlinear Hodgkin–Huxley cable model. The results illustrate that for a wide range of frequencies, the applied field is capable of stimulating the resting potential of the membrane. In addition to hyper-polarization state of the neuron which is inevitable for certain values of the electric field amplitude, there will be additional effects on the propagation of action potentials in the neuron. We have also studied the action potentials velocity and amplitude change in the presence of the external field while the fiber is firing. The initiation of action potential for an axon at rest exposed to external field is possible and during the firing of the neuron and under the influence of the external field, it will act as a velocity modifier, and the neuron will lower the amplitude of the action potentials.

Computational modeling of the variation of the transmembrane potential of the endothelial cells of the blood-brain-barrier subject to an external electric field

“…The rationale behind our work in adopting the computational simulation and modeling as the methodology is to better understand and control the external factors that can influence the function of the endothelial cell. Computational studies have been performed on the effects of external electric fields on the ionic currents [16,17] and the membrane of excitable cells such as neurons [18,19], but to the best of our knowledge, so far there has been no pertinent study involving the endothelial cell of the cerebral capillary.…”

Electrophysiological effects of low frequency electrical radiation on the neural compartment: a theoretical investigation

“…The low frequency electric field on the axon of the neurons stimulates the resting axon to fire action potential in certain frequencies and amplitudes. Also, the electric field is able to intrude the propagating action potential in specific frequency regions [24]. In another study using atomistic modeling, the effect of a high frequency (GHz) electromagnetic field on the conduction and concentration of voltage gated calcium channels has been studied [25].…”