Effects of moderate static magnetic fields on voltage-gated potassium ion channels in sympathetic neuron-like PC12 cells.

While exposure of moderate static magnetic fields (SMF) can alter neuronal excitability, the effects on sympathetic neurons remain underexplored. This study investigates the effects of moderate SMF on Kv channels in the plasma membrane of sympathetic neuron-like PC12 cells. The current density of Kv channels was significantly lower in the 18-h magnet-exposed group, with effects persisting even after the magnet was removed before patch-clamp measurements. The current density of outward current in the presence of TEA was not different between the two groups, indicating that magnetic field affects TEA-sensitive Kv channels. To further explore these changes, RNA sequencing was performed on samples from both the Sham and 18-h magnet-exposed groups, identifying 37 moderate SMF-sensitive genes. Changes in mRNA expression levels and KEGG analysis suggested that pathways involved in the inhibition of neuronal excitability, such as GABAB receptor activation and Kir3 channel opening, may be more likely to be activated. In conclusion, moderate SMF is strongly associated with reduced current density in PC12 cells, particularly affecting Kv channels. The present study provides fundamental information on the influence of long-term SMF exposure on the excitability of sympathetic neurons.