Induction of Calcium Influx in Cortical Neural Networks by Nanomagnetic Forces

ACS Nano. 2016 Feb 23;10(2):2331-41. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.5b07118. Epub 2016 Jan 28.

Abstract

Nanomagnetic force stimulation with ferromagnetic nanoparticles was found to trigger calcium influx in cortical neural networks without observable cytotoxicity. Stimulated neural networks showed an average of 20% increment in calcium fluorescence signals and a heightened frequency in calcium spiking. These effects were also confined spatially to areas with engineered high magnetic field gradients. Furthermore, blockage of N-type calcium channels inhibited the stimulatory effects of the nanomagnetic forces, suggesting the role of mechano-sensitive ion channels in mediating calcium influx.

Keywords: calcium imaging; conditioned media; cortical neurons; ferromagnetic nanoparticles; magnetic forces; mechano-sensitive ion channels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels, N-Type / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles*
  • Nerve Net / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Rats

Substances

  • Calcium Channels, N-Type
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • Calcium