Magnetic, but not non-magnetic, reduced graphene oxide in spinal cord increases nociceptive neuronal responsiveness

Abstract

The interference between external magnetic fields and neurophysiology is not new, however, the role of the neuronal magnetic field remains unclear. This study aimed at investigating a possible role of the neuronal magnetic field in nociception. Highly and poorly magnetic reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was injected intrathecally in rats. Nociceptive responsiveness was greater in rats that received highly magnetic-rGO in von Frey electronic or intraplantar capsaicin tests. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the number of KCl-responsive DRG-neurons was greater when treated with highly magnetic-rGO when compared with non-magnetic-rGO. Our data also suggested that the mechanism underlying the increased nociceptive responsiveness involves increased Ca²⁺_v activity. Complementary experiments excluded the cytotoxic and inflammatory effects of the magnetic-rGO in neuronal responsiveness. These data suggest that the disturbance of the neuronal magnetic field in spinal cord increases nociceptive responsiveness, suggesting an importance of the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field in neuronal transmission.

Keywords: Ephaptic transmission; Neuronal magnetic field; Neuronal responsiveness; Reduced graphene oxide.