The effect of extreme low frequency external electric field on the adaptability in the Ermentrout model

Theoretical analysis of effects of transcranial magneto-acoustical stimulation on neuronal spike-frequency adaptation

BACKGROUND

Transcranial magneto-acoustical stimulation (TMAS) is a noninvasive technique that has advantages in spatial resolution and penetration depth. It changes the firing properties of neurons through the current generated by focused ultrasound and a static magnetic field. Spike-frequency adaptation is an important dynamic characteristic of neural information processing.

METHODS

To address the effects of TMAS on neural spike-frequency adaptation, this study employs some ultrasound and magnetic field parameters, such as magnetic flux density, ultrasonic intensity, fundamental ultrasonic frequency, modulation frequency, and duty cycle. Using these different ultrasound and magnetic field parameters, membrane potential curves, spike-frequency curves, and adapted onset spike-frequency curves are exhibited and analyzed.

RESULTS

The results show that spike-frequency adaptation is strongly dependent on ultrasonic intensity and magnetic flux density and is rarely affected by other parameters. However, modulation frequency and duty cycle influence membrane potentials and spike frequencies to some degree.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals the mechanism of the effects of TMAS on neural spike-frequency adaptation and serves as theoretical guidance for TMAS experiments.

60 Hz electric field changes the membrane potential during burst phase in pancreatic β-cells: in silico analysis

The production, distribution and use of electricity can generate low frequency electric and magnetic fields (50-60 Hz). Considering that some studies showed adverse effects on pancreatic β-cells exposed to these fields; the present study aimed to analyze the effects of 60 Hz electric fields on membrane potential during the silent and burst phases in pancreatic β-cells using a mathematical model. Sinusoidal 60 Hz electric fields with amplitude ranging from 0.5 to 4 mV were applied on pancreatic β-cells model. The sinusoidal electric field changed burst duration, inter-burst intervals (silent phase) and spike sizes. The parameters above presented dose-dependent response with the voltage amplitude applied. In conclusion, theoretical analyses showed that a 60 Hz electric field with low amplitudes changes the membrane potential in pancreatic β-cells.