4 Hz EMF treated physiological solution depresses Ach-induced neuromembrane current

The effect of 4 Hz EMF treated physiological solution (PS) on acetylcholine (Ach) sensitivity of the snail neuron was studied. The 4 Hz EMF treated normal PS at room temperature (23 °C) has a depressing effect on Ach induced current, while in cold medium (12 °C) this effect disappeared. EMF treated, ouabain containing, K‐free PS elevates the Ach‐induced current at room temperature. It is suggested that the metabotropic effect of EMF treated PS is due to the activation of cGMP‐dependent Na:Ca exchange, leading to the decrease of the number of functional active receptors in the membrane, through Na–K pump‐induced cell shrinkage, and to increase the receptors affinity to Ach, as the result of decrease of intracellular Ca concentration. Bioelectromagnetics 25:397–399, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.