Influence of a stationary magnetic field on bioelectric properties of snail neurons

Identified cells of Helix lucorum L. received 20 min exposures to 23, 120, or 200 mT stationary magnetic field (MFs). Resting potentials and input resistances were measured. Controls were instituted for temperature changes and for mechanical and other sources of artifact. Resting potentials did not change with MF exposure. Input resistances decreased significantly in normally silent cells during MF exposure, but increased significantly in spontaneously active cells. The magnitudes of changes were monotonically related to strength of the MF. Changes in excitatory postsynaptic potentials were observed during MF exposure. Elimination of perineuronal glia by proteolytic enzymes eliminated the MF effects.