Threshold and limits of magnetic field action at the presynaptic membrane

The relationship of field intensity and exposure duration to the inhibitory effect of static magnetic fields on presynaptic membrane function was examined in order to further define the mechanism of action of these fields. Miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) were recorded from the isolated murine neuromuscular junction, maintained at a temperature of 35.5 degrees C, during exposure to static magnetic fields of varying duration and intensity. Inhibition of MEPP generation correlated well with the product of the square of the flux density and exposure time. At lower product values the relationship was linear with an absolute flux density threshold of 37.9 mT. Higher product values were associated with deviation from linearity indicative of a limit on the extent of inhibition. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that static magnetic fields induce a reorientation of diamagnetic molecular domains within the membrane but with a restriction on the degree of reorientation imposed by the membrane's cytoskeleton.