Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields effects on the snail single neurons

The aim of present work is to explore the influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (8.34 and 217 Hz) utilized in cell phones on habituation of the mollusk single neuron to intracellular stimuli. The isolated nervous system of the mollusk Helix Pomatia was used in the experiments. Helmholtz coils were used to expose brain ganglia to the low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Peak values of the extremely low-frequency fields were between 1 and 6 mT. Neuron electrophysiology was investigated using a standard microelectrode technique. Exposure of the neuron to the low-frequency electromagnetic fields caused dehabituation to intracellular stimulus. The effect was proportional to the magnetic induction peak value. The observed dehabituation occurs by degradation of the signal to noise ratio and by alteration of the neuron's normal function.