Calcium Displacement Caused by Electromagnetic Fields
Abstract
The research effort was to determine theoretically a physical basis for the interaction of low-intensity externally applied electromagnetic fields with biological tissue. The primary aim of the investigation was to establish a molecular basis for the class of interactions commonly referred to as nonthermal effects of electromagnetic fields with biological systems. In particular, the biological structure of interest was the plasma membrane since it had been either directly or indirectly implicated in numerous experimental studies. (1) It was demonstrated how a membrane undergoing a phase transition could qualitatively account for the release and/or uptake of divalent calcium ions. (2) A characterization of changes in the structure of the membrane/electrolyte interface due to field induced changes in enzymatic activity was demonstrated. (3) The role of critical phenomena was shown analytically to be able to account for the unique sensitivity of biomembranes to weak external field perturbations, and describe alterations in the passive transport of sodium ions in rabbit erythrocytes. Keywords: Membranes biology (plasma), Phase transitions, Critical phenomena, Double-layer (electrical), Electromagnetic fields.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212690
Entities
People
- Carol A. Jordan
- James D. Bond
Organizations
- Leidos