Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study, theoretical study)

Do weak, low pulsed frequency, high-frequency electromagnetic or magnetic fields alter the basic bioelectrical parameters of nerve cells in vineyard snails ( Helix pomatia L.) ? / / II. Magnetic fields med./bio.

By: Kullnick U, Luethe LC, Wolff HG
Published in: Bioelectrochem Bioenerg 1995; 37 (1): 47-50
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the resting potential of snail nerve cells subjected to non-thermic effects of weak, high-frequency, low pulsed frequency magnetic fields. A method was developed in order to determine the bioelectric parameters in the magnetic field of a cavity resonator.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 150 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 10 or 20 min
Exposure 2: 150 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 10, 20, or 30 min
Exposure 3: 150 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 10 or 20 min

General information

The treatment was performed 43 times, each time having a duration of 10, 20, or 30 min.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 150 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 10 or 20 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 80 µs
Repetition frequency 8.3 Hz
Additional info

off-pulses
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber The electric field strength at the exposure site was always zero. The object was aligned such that the RF field and the geomagnetic field would flow through the nerve cells in the same direction.
Setup The ganglion was fixed in the Ringer solution by cactus thorns instead of metal pins.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 70 nT - measured - -
Measurement and calculation details

The magnetic flux density was determined using an antenna built into the resonator on the side opposite to the object.

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 150 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 10, 20, or 30 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 80 µs
Repetition frequency 8.3 Hz
Additional info

off-pulses
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 3,400 nT - measured - -

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 150 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 10 or 20 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 80 µs
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Additional info

off-pulses
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 70 nT - measured - -

Reference articles

  • Kullnick U (1992): Influence of weak non-thermic high-frequency electromagnetic fields on the membrane potential of nerve cells

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant differences between the average value of the resting potentials in the run up and run down occur either as a result of various intensities and modulations or from the duration of the treatment. The flux densities used were not strong enough to produce a measurable influence on the resting potential.

Study character:

Study funded by

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