Electromagnetic Fields Act Similarly in Plants as in Animals: Probable Activation of Calcium Channels via Their Voltage Sensor

Abstract

It has been shown that low intensity microwave/lower frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) act in animals via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in the plasma membrane, producing excessive intracellular calcium [Ca²⁺]i, with excessive [Ca²⁺]i leading to both pathophysiological and also in some cases therapeutic effects. The pathophysiological effects are produced largely through excessive [Ca2+]i signaling including excessive nitric oxide (NO), superoxide, peroxynitrite, free radical formation and consequent oxidative stress. The activation of the VGCCs is thought to be produced via EMF impact on the VGCC voltage sensor, with the physical properties of that voltage sensor predicting that it is extraordinarily sensitive to these EMFs. It is shown here that the action of EMFs in terrestrial, multicellular (embryophyte) plants is probably similar to the action in animals in most but not all respects, with calcium channel activation in the plasma membrane leading to excessive [Ca²⁺]i, leading in turn to most if not all of the biological effects. A number of studies in plants are briefly reviewed which are consistent with and supportive of such a mechanism. Plant channels most plausibly to be involved, are the so-called two pore channels (TPCs), which have a voltage sensor similar to those found in the animal VGCCs.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The review suggests that low intensity microwave/lower frequency EMFs activate voltage-gated calcium channels in both animals and plants, leading to increased intracellular calcium and subsequent biological effects. Plant calcium channels similar to animal VGCCs may mediate these effects.

Outcomes measured

• activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs)
• excessive intracellular calcium [Ca²⁺]i
• pathophysiological effects via excessive nitric oxide, superoxide, peroxynitrite, free radical formation, oxidative stress
• biological effects in plants possibly via two pore channels (TPCs) with voltage sensors similar to animal VGCCs

Limitations

• No direct experimental data presented, only review of existing studies
• Mechanism in plants is proposed but not definitively established
• Specific exposure parameters and dose-response relationships are not detailed

{
    "study_type": "review",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "microwave/lower frequency",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "terrestrial multicellular (embryophyte) plants and animals",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs)",
        "excessive intracellular calcium [Ca²⁺]i",
        "pathophysiological effects via excessive nitric oxide, superoxide, peroxynitrite, free radical formation, oxidative stress",
        "biological effects in plants possibly via two pore channels (TPCs) with voltage sensors similar to animal VGCCs"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The review suggests that low intensity microwave/lower frequency EMFs activate voltage-gated calcium channels in both animals and plants, leading to increased intracellular calcium and subsequent biological effects. Plant calcium channels similar to animal VGCCs may mediate these effects.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "No direct experimental data presented, only review of existing studies",
        "Mechanism in plants is proposed but not definitively established",
        "Specific exposure parameters and dose-response relationships are not detailed"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.40000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "voltage-gated calcium channels",
        "plants",
        "animals",
        "intracellular calcium",
        "oxidative stress",
        "two pore channels",
        "microwave",
        "low frequency"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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