Millimetre wave radiation activates leech nociceptors via TRPV1-like receptor sensitization (Biophysical Journal)

There is evidence that MMWs can have an impact on cellular function, including neurons. Earlier in vitro studies have shown that exposure levels well below the recommended safe limit of 1mW/cm2 cause changes in the action potential (AP) firing rate, resting potential, and AP pulse shape of sensory neurons in leech preparations, as well as alter neuronal properties in rat cortical brain slices; these effects differ from changes induced by direct heating. In this paper, we compare the responses of thermosensitive primary nociceptors of the medicinal leech under thermal heating and MMW irradiation (80-170 mW/cm2 at 60 GHz) .